News AHEAD OF NU CONGRESS

Inter-religious leaders hope for peaceful NU meeting

NU Online  ·  Sabtu, 20 Maret 2010 | 16:07 WIB

Makassar, NU Online
Inter-religious leaders Saturday threw their support behind the Nahdatul Ulama (NU) conference, saying they hoped the forum would run peacefully and benefit the nation.

“Together we must support the conference so that it can yield outcomes that will help develop the nation,” Pastor F. Sopamena, chief of the South and West Sulawesi Churches, said Saturday.<>

The week-long conference will commence on Monday in Makassar, South Sulawesi, with more than 7,000 participants from across Indonesia, as well as 50 NU branches overseas.

As many as 35 ambassadors and consults and 45 world religious leaders are expected to attend the event, which will be officially opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday.

Makassar Mayor Ilham Arief Sirajuddin, expressed hope the peaceful atmosphere during the conference would help tone down the city’s image, which has been tainted by recent violent rallies. (jp/dar)