(12 Oct 1998) Indonesian/Nat
Thousands of Muslim Indonesians have attended a rally for peace in the capital Jakarta.
They urged fellow Indonesians to avoid violence as the country struggles through its economic crisis and moves toward a more democratic system.
Organisers also urged groups struggling for independence from Indonesian rule in territories such as East Timor not to risk splitting the country apart.
More than five-thousand Muslim Indonesians gathered for the Nahdlatal Ulama peace rally.
The turnout was far less than organisers had predicted, although many regarded it as a welcome sight in Jakarta, where President Habibie has been facing a growing number of anti-government protests.
Next year Habibie will face a presidential election far more democratic in procedure than Suharto ever faced.
Organisers called for a smooth transition to democracy, free of violence.
Despite public support for the rally, the only well-known public figures in attendance were Indonesia's military commander, General Wiranto, several current and former cabinet ministers, and Jakarta's governor.
Standing in the hot sun beneath a stage in a sports complex car park, the Islamic crowd cheered and danced during speeches and performances by singers and bands.
But in a country where many families have been impoverished by crippling inflation and unemployment, they also chanted "We need more food!" when Wiranto stood up to speak.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"Please try to help the people who are suffering from the crisis with real efforts. Don't just shout jargons and slogans."
SUPER CAPTION: General Wiranto, Indonesia's military commander
In May, widespread rioting broke out in this country of 202 million people, leaving about 1,200 dead.
The turmoil forced longtime President Suharto to quit but his successor and longtime ally, President B.J. Habibie, also has been hit by anti-government protests.
Abdurrahman Wahid, leader of the Nahdlatal Ulama group, urged the military to better protect Indonesians who face violence in areas such as Banyuwangi, in East Java.
SOUNDBITE: (Indonesian)
"Dear brothers, thanks to God. We are here today to reaffirm our promise and commitment that the N-U is the guardian of the nation and state."
SUPER CAPTION: Abdurrahman Wahid, Nahdlatal Ulama leader
The situation in East Java has given cause for concern in recent weeks.
About 150 people have been killed in bizarre night time slayings in which victims attack Muslim clerics and black magic practitioners with knives.
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