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)