Ulemas urged to defuse unrest
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has asked Moslem leaders to serve as an early warning system -- to detect and nip unrest in the bud.
Addressing a post-Idul Fitri gathering with 75 leaders of the influential Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) at the Bina Graha presidential office yesterday, Soeharto said several disturbances across the country over the past year occurred at the instigation of certain parties.
He reminded the leaders how, following the violence in Tasikmalaya, West Java, last year, he called for the establishment of alert command posts in regencies' military bases.
"Rumors will always fly around, that's why the only answer to them is alertness... News should be checked and rechecked," he said. He added that the circulation of vicious rumors would continue beyond the People's Consultative Assembly meeting next month.
"The leaders should increase their alertness... (and help) restrict the opportunities of those seeking to incite people," he told the council led by its chairman Hasan Basri.
"Keep on praying, use mosques and smaller prayer houses to, even just for a few minutes, remind people to stay alert. Stay alert, because there are (currently) so many efforts to instigate (unrest)," he said.
He cited the violence in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, last year, where children were incited to throw stones at shops. He also referred to rumors about kerosene price increases.
Acknowledging the economic hardship facing the country, Soeharto said that Indonesia was not alone. He recounted how yesterday morning he received a call from United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan who expressed his sympathy for the situation in Indonesia.
Soeharto also blasted certain businesspeople for bringing about the economic crisis with their gambling and speculation. "This is a game that would never receive the blessing of God," he said, adding how the situation was then exploited by certain groups seeking to further their own interests.
The council is holding its congress, which started Sunday and ends today. The Moslem leaders were also received by Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday.
In his speech Sunday, Hasan Basri said the council wished to see the next president select aides with qualities such as honesty, faith and commitment to a decent work ethic.
Basri also said the next cabinet should continue to reflect the prevalence of Islam in Indonesia.
Moslems make up 87 percent of Indonesia's population of 202 million while only three of the 37 members of the cabinet are not Moslem.
The appeal was conveyed to Soeharto yesterday "so he would consider it a reference if he is reelected in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) session next month," Basri added.
The three-day congress, opened by Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher, is discussing a number of strategic issues, particularly relating to the upcoming General Session of the MPR and the protracted economic turmoil that has engulfed the country since last July. (swe/prb)