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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