Students support Islamic customs

Students support Islamic customs

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Hundreds of students rallied at the
provincial legislature here on Thursday demanding the adoption of
Islamic principles in the province when the regional autonomy law
takes effect next year.

The students, who claimed to represent the Joint Forum for
Muslim Students (Forbes-PPMI), said they sought the enforcement
of Islamic principles because Muslims accounted for the majority
of the province's population and the territory had long adopted
Islamic traditions.

In their statement, the students urged the local councillors
to support their move and relay the proposal to the central
government.

"From a historical point of view, the adoption of Islamic
principles is an effort to restore the historical heritage of
Islamic kingdoms in South Sulawesi," the students leader Iswari
Al Farisy said.

Legislature member Suryadarma, who received the students'
delegation, asked the demonstrators not to use pressure to
promote their aspirations. His statement came after four
councillors were forced to sign their support for the students'
demand. (27)