Wisdom needed in handling religious schisms
Wisdom needed in handling religious schisms
JAKARTA (JP): Greater wisdom is necessary to handle differences between religious communities in Indonesia, especially at a time when religious teachings are flourishing, President Soeharto said yesterday.
"Without it (wisdom), religious differences could undermine the unity of our nation," Soeharto said at a meeting with Hindu leaders.
"Unity is our chief asset and greatest strength as a nation," he told the 7th congress of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia council in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, Antara reported.
Religious differences were never disputed when the nation's founding fathers started their fight for independence at the start of the century, and later when they defended independence after it was proclaimed in 1945, Soeharto recalled.
The state, as mandated by the constitution, guarantees complete freedom for its citizens to practice their religious beliefs.
But the constitution, besides mandating religious freedom, obliges citizens to forge a peaceful coexistence between the country's various religious communities, he said.
Hindu is one of the five religions recognized by the state, along with Islam, the dominant religion, as well as Christianity, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism.
Soeharto said that religious life in Indonesia may be flourishing but that it also faces a number of challenges.
"On the one hand, we're seeing the revival of religions, and on the other we're witnessing various problems that were created by the people themselves," he said.
The religious renaissance is not only confined to countries that have sustained religions, but also in countries which once barred religions, he said.
"At the same time that hope is rising, we are also seeing various developments that are deeply disturbing, such as serious environmental degradation, the growing abuse of narcotics, organized crime, abortion and AIDS," said the head of state.
The root of these problems is the attitude of some people seeking enjoyment without regard for the sanctity of life, he said, adding that one of the best ways to overcome the problems is "by contemplating the teachings of our faiths."
Soeharto urged the Hindu leaders to do their utmost to encourage their followers to participate in national development.
"Religious language very often has a greater power in firing up the enthusiasm of people," he said.
About 500 Hindu leaders are taking part in the congress which ends on Saturday. A number of senior government officials will address the gathering, including the ministers of religious affairs, home affairs, security and defense, and the chief of the Armed Forces.
Minister of Mines and Energy Ida Bagus Sujana will address the meeting in his capacity as an elderly figure in the Hindu community in Indonesia.
On Tuesday, the participants and other Hindu followers held prayer sessions at the famous Prambanan Temple in Klaten, just outside of Solo. (emb)