President attends Hindu mass prayer

President attends Hindu mass prayer

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and his wife
Sinta Nuriyah attended a Hindu mass prayer here on Sunday, which
was seen as an illustration of his concern for religious harmony
in the country.

"In my opinion, all religions are the same. That's why,
although I am a Muslim, I also believe in Mahatma Gandhi's
teachings," Aburrahman said in a speech after the prayer in the
packed Ashram Bali Gandhi Vidyapith school here.

The President said that the fact that there were various
religions practiced in the country was a blessing, and not
justification for conflict between followers of different
religions.

"Let everyone live and praise God in peace and in their own
way," he said.

The prayer was hosted by school coordinator Gedong Bagoes Oka,
a renowned Hindu leader and believer of Gandhi's teachings,
following a successful General Session of the People's
Consultative Assembly.

Abdurrahman said he learned the teachings of the Indian
independence movement leader from Oka.

Abdurrahman said he had asked Oka to invite him to the mass
prayer because he missed the last occasion due to recent eye
surgery.

All five religions officially recognized in Indonesia were
represented at the mass prayer, with leading figures from each
religion taking turns to lead a prayer. Muslim leader Achmad
Jayadi led the first prayer. The Protestant community was
represented by Rev. I Wayan Sudira Husada, Catholics by Robert
Rewu SVD, Buddhists by Upasaka Dharma Wirya and Hindus by Ida
Pedanda Sebali. (zen/04)