Religious leaders call on nation`s elite to lead energy-saving movement

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A number of religious leaders have called on the country`s elite to take the lead in the national energy saving movement President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently ordered to be launched in anticipation of the impact of the world oil price spiral.

"Whatever the elite does has a demonstrative effect on society at large. So , if the elite does not show a frugal life-style, don`t expect the general public will," Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Amidhan said here Friday.

He said the example set by the elite in responding to the president`s call to save energy would have a real effect on the behavior of the general public.

A few other religious community leaders, including Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsudin, top Hindu priest I Made Gde Erata, Indonesian Christian Communication Forum (FKKI) pastor Gustav Dupe and Buddhist Council chairman Bhiksu Tadisa Paramita also said the elite must set the example in the efficient use of energy.

"If we are to economize on energy consumption, we must begin at the top. The elite must cut their unnecessary energy consumption, don`t only ask the common people to use less energy," Erata said.

"When the President, for instance, wants to take part in a grand rice harvest, why is it necessary for him to be accompanied by 35 ministers who all come in energy-consuming cars?" Gustav Dupe asked.

Yudhoyono on Wednesday (Apr 30) instructed the rank and file in the government at central and regional levels to economize on the use of energy in the face of the continuous surge in the world oil price which was putting the state budget under mounting pressure.

The President also asked the public at large to use energy in more efficient ways.

"I ask recreation or entertainment spots and shopping centers to be also more efficient or economical in their energy consumption. The use of fuel oil in service as well as private cars should also be limited," he said.

The president said if all parties in the country gave their cooperation in the efforts to face the energy problem, he was sure the nation would successfully weather the present difficult times.