Susilo calls on nation to exercise restraint
Susilo calls on nation to exercise restraint
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on all groups in the
country to put their individual interests behind the greater
cause of helping the nation.
In his speech delivered at the commemoration of the Koranic
revelation day at Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta on
Saturday, Susilo said people should exercise restraint in their
conduct and refrain from imposing their will on others.
"I call on all components of the nation to exercise restraint,
and in dealing with a myriad of problems I hope they do not
pursue narrow interests," Susilo said.
Susilo's statement came amid protracted wrangling between
political blocs in the House of Representatives over control of
the highest lawmaking institution.
Even though its members were sworn in nearly a month ago, the
House has barely started substantial work due to a scramble over
leadership of its commissions and auxiliary bodies.
Susilo said that an attitude of self restraint would serve the
nation's best interests for now and the future.
"I believe that with that kind of attitude, we can develop our
nation. Conversely, a failure to do so will push us backwards and
we will be left behind by other nations," he said.
The conflict in the House was highlighted by the Nationhood
Coalition's clean sweep of the chairmanship of the House
commissions during a plenary which saw factions affiliated with
the pro-Susilo People's Coalition boycott the session.
The Nationhood Coalition, led by Golkar Party and the
Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), downplayed a
claim from the People's Coalition that the meeting to decide the
commissions leadership was illegitimate.
As a result, members of the People's coalition have boycotted
all meetings since Tuesday.
Despite the boycott, the House defense commission and its
disciplinary council have held separate meetings to discuss
future agenda.
Muslims around the world observed the Koranic revelation day
in the middle of Ramadhan fasting month, the moment when prophet
Muhammad was given divine instructions through Gabriel.