Preachers urged not to incite violence

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tamizi Taher called on religious leaders yesterday to refrain from delivering inflammatory sermons that may incite violence.

"Ulemas and preachers should not inflame their congregation's emotion, especially in the run-up to next month's election," he said after meeting with President Soeharto at Bina Graha.

Tarmizi warned that if violence reigns in the election, it would amount to self-destruction for Indonesia, which has been painstakingly founded.

Officials of the United Development Party (PPP) have accused Moslem preachers of provoking riots in the Central Java town of Magelang from March 24 to March 26.

Police in the Central Java capital of Semarang have been questioning Afifuddin Musytari, who runs The Holy Alfurqon Islamic boarding school, on suspicion of provoking people to run riot in Pekalongan with his inflammatory speech.

The popular preacher was accused of insulting Golkar and telling fellow preachers that they may end up in hell if they support the dominant party.

Hundreds of Moslems protested Afifuddin's questioning at the Central Java police command headquarters Saturday, demanding that he be cleared from all charges.

"Preachers and ulemas should be wise when they touch on political matters," Tarmizi said.

He said it was not easy to build a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation like Indonesia.

"Let's use religion to create peace and prosperity for the people," he said. "If we abuse religion to stir up violence... you know when it begins but never know when it ends."

Attorney General Singgih said the public should not be easily provoked by irresponsible people wanting to create chaos.

"The political tension is heated and it is only normal in the lead-up to a general election. But everyone should be careful not to worsen the situation," he told reporters. (pan/05)