OI plans pan-religious orphanage

OI plans pan-religious orphanage

JAKARTA: Orphans Internasional (OI) has planned to open an
orphanage for children from different religions who have fallen
victim to sectarian conflicts across the country.

OI representative in Indonesia Linda Mangunsong told reporters
here on Monday the foundation would build the orphanage in Bali
in 2003.

The Bali provincial government approved the proposal,
following a meeting between OI executives and Bali deputy
governor Alit Putra. President of the New York-based organization
Jim Luce attended the talks.

Head of the province's Social Welfare Agency Panjaya said a
number of public figures from different religions grouped under
the Inter-religion Followers Communication Forum had agreed to
help run the orphanage.

Among the figures is I Gusti Ngurah Yudhana, a son of national
hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai, according to Pangjaya.

Linda said OI had an obsession to promote tolerance and
harmonious coexistence between among orphans from conflict-
wracked regions. She said the organization had no intention of
adopting them. -- Antara