Ulema not amused by tight aerobics outfits

JAKARTA (JP): A Moslem leader in Riau is finding the tight outfits worn by female aerobic buffs too much to take.

"If they have to wear them they should do aerobics indoors and not in public places. That way they won't offend people who still cling to Eastern cultural and traditional norms," Hamid Sulaiman, the chief of the Riau's Moslem Ulema Council, said as reported by the Antara news agency.

Hamid said he has received numerous complaints from members of the public about the aerobic outfits worn by people in public places and on television.

They said they found the outfits "indecent".

"If the chief objective is to exercise, then why do we get the impression that aerobics is placing greater emphasis on the outfit?" he asked.

Hamid said he welcomed a statement by State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Hayono Isman, reportedly made on a television newscast, suggesting that Indonesian aerobic buffs should dress more in accordance with the local culture.

"I'm encouraged to hear his comment. This is the first time that a minister addressed the issue which has been a concern of many Moslems, particularly the ulemas," he said. (emb)