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.