Preachers urged not to incite violence

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)