Soeharto calls for solidarity

Soeharto calls for solidarity

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto expressed hope that the
Christmas and Ramadhan seasons which fall in close proximity to
each other, can help impart a spirit of goodwill and social
solidarity.

Soeharto said such a spirit should prompt the nation to bury
narrow-minded attitudes and the selfishness of seeking to further
individual interests.

The President highlighted Indonesia's diversity and said
harmonious pluralism is the country's beacon of strength.

Attending a Christmas celebration at the Jakarta Convention
Center Saturday evening, Soeharto said that as a pluralistic
nation, Indonesians must maintain strong feelings of brotherhood
and mutual respect for different religions' followers.

"Such pluralism will become our national strength if it is
based on true love for our fellow brothers and sisters," the
President said in his address in front of 5,000 guests.

The celebration was held jointly by the Armed Forces and the
Indonesian Civil Servant Corps.

Also present were Vice President Try Sutrisno, his wife Tuti,
and several cabinet ministers.

The ceremony was broadcast live on television and radio
nationwide.

"Jesus has given His own example of serving other people and
never thinking of His own interests ... Let us renew our
commitment to love other people, especially those who are weak,
poor and suffering," Soeharto said.

The President then noted that Christmas festivities fell in
close proximity to the holy Islamic month of Ramadhan which
begins on Wednesday.

"The message of Christmas is love. Ramadhan's message is self-
control to fight temptation and carnal desires."

He added: "As in previous years, Christmas celebrations this
year should proceed in an atmosphere of peace and fellowship."

Despite being a minority in a country where Moslems make up 87
percent of the population, Christian and Catholic followers have
a vibrant community across much of the country.

Given its tremendous diversity, Indonesia has always been wary
of ethnic and religious issues being used to incite unrest.

The government and President Soeharto himself continually urge
religious harmony. Despite occasional jolts, Indonesia has been
relatively successful in maintaining a harmonious balance between
the five recognized religions in the country.

Among the highlights of Saturday's ceremony was a 1,000-strong
choir from East Nusa Tenggara and Jakarta performing Christmas
carols.

President Soeharto also played five notes on a keyboard from
which a children's group created a musical number.

State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi then
announced that two businessmen had bought the rights to the newly
composed song for Rp 250 million (US$45,450).

The stage at the Jakarta Convention Center was designed to
invoke images of the beauty of Bunaken Marine National Park off
Manado in North Sulawesi. (prb)

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