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)