President Visits Toraja's Londa Burial Cave

Toraja, S Sulawesi, Feb 21 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and a number of his cabinet ministers visited Toraja`s burial cave in Londa, South Sulawesi, on Friday. The President during his visit to the Londo Cemetery Cave was accompanied by First Lady Mrs Ani Yudhoyono, Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto. Other ministers accompanying the President included Minister/State Secretary Dipo Alam, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Education and Culture Minister Muhammad Nuh, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Sjarifuddin Hasan, Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan and Chief of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Marciano Norman. The President was briefed on the Londa Cava Cemetery which was designed for funeral only for the Tolengke (clan) family. The Londa Cave consists of several levels based on the castes of the death. The highest level is designed for the death of those from the noble circles. The death bodies are put on the wall of the cave. On Thursday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was awarded a traditional title as an honorary resident of the Tana Toraja community in South Sulawesi, which is reputed for its high tolerance and harmony. "Indonesians know the kindness of the Tana Toraja, which is known as a religious community with respect for traditions, a strong brotherhood, high tolerance and a harmonious lifestyle," the president said at the Singgi moment (the award ceremony for the traditional title) on Thursday. The Torajans, the president continued, are a role model for kindness within an Indonesian community. The president urged the Indonesian people to follow the example of the Torajan people in resolving disputes peacefully and avoiding conflicts and violence. The president noted that the welfare of the people and economic development requires stable political conditions and harmony. If the Indonesian people live in harmony and with high tolerance, economics can develop within a supportive infrastructure and with food and energy sustainability. President Yudhoyono also thanked the Torajan leaders who had awarded him and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono the title of an honorary resident. "In accepting the award, I am keen on developing the Toraja community," the president added.