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)