Ulemas told to tackle moral decadence

Ulemas told to tackle moral decadence

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto asked Moslem ulemas yesterday to initiate large scale intensive religious courses in a bid to control the moral decadence threatening the younger generation.

Such intensive religious courses are needed because not all parents have the time to teach their children morality at home, the President said at a meeting with ulemas at the Merdeka Palace.

On hand at the meeting, the third since 1994, were Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher, chief of the Indonesian Ulemas Council Hasan Basri and several leaders of Islamic boarding schools.

Soeharto said Indonesia's economic development has brought about enormous progress but it has also had unwanted side effects, such as spiritual decline.

"Moral decadence occurs because people are not mentally ready to face the consequences of tangible development," said Soeharto, who addressed his guests without a prepared text.

Intensive religious courses are popular among Moslem youngsters in the run-up to the Idul Fitri holiday when they have ample spare time.

The courses usually take place at Islamic boarding schools, or regular schools under the guidance of ulemas.

Soeharto suggested that ulemas target elementary and high school students. The lessons, he said, could take place in their respective schools to facilitate the arrangement.

"The students can spare between 10 and 15 days of their 40 days off. They can sleep on mats or modest mattresses to instill social solidarity in them," he said.

Each intensive course, he added, should ideally be handled by two experienced ulemas approved by the ulemas council.

The President meant the courses as a breakthrough to make up for shortfalls in religious lessons in the official curriculum.

Also present at the get-together were well-known Moslem preachers Tuti Alawiyah, Zakiah Daradjat, Nur Iskandar and Zainuddin M.Z. (pan)

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