Ulemas address national unity

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Ulemas in the province have pledged they will use every evening prayer during the Ramadhan fasting month to urge Muslims to uphold national unity.

Head of the provincial chapter of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), Sanusi Baco, said on Thursday the decision was reached during a plenary meeting of ulemas prior to the fasting month, which began on Thursday.

"We agreed to take the holy month a momentum to encourage people to maintain national unity. We have been very much concerned about the developments in the country," Sanusi said.

"Maintaining unity of this predominantly Muslim nation is a must according to Islamic law."

He said the provincial MUI would propose an "antidisintegration" edict.

Governor Z.B. Palaguna welcomed the agreement, expressing his belief that people would be prepared to comply with the ulemas' messages.

About 500 ulemas have been assigned to preach in some 400 mosques in the city. (27)