Try warns against materialism

Try warns against materialism

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno said yesterday that
the country's focus on economic development must not create a
materialistic society.

He called for a reinforcement of moralistic values to protect
against hedonistic and individualistic tendencies that often
accompany materialistic traits.

Speaking at the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Gontor
Moslem boarding school in Ponorogo, East Java, Try said that
religious institutions should help the younger generation
assimilate Indonesian values.

"We have to direct society, particularly the Moslem community,
so that their influence can bring about a soothing and peaceful
atmosphere, which is conducive to the creation of better living
conditions," he said.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Religious
Affairs Tarmizi Taher and Coordinating Minister for People's
Welfare Azwar Anas.

The boarding school, founded in 1926, has produced some 19,000
alumni from all classes of society.

"The alumni should put into practice anything noble they
learned at school," said Try as quoted by Antara. "They should
share their knowledge with other people in society."

Gontor has 135 branches throughout the country. In the past
few years three Gontor Islamic boarding schools have also been
established in Thailand. (mds)