AUTHORITIES URGED TO STOP PORK "BAKSO" UPROAR

By Andi Abdussalam
Jakarta, Dec 20 (ANTARA) - Indonesia's second-largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiyah, has urged the government and related parties to stop the circulation of pork-tainted "bakso" (meatball) soup before the issue creates a serious uproar and has a wider impact.          "We are concerned about the circulation of pork-contaminated bakso. The government and other concerned parties need to take immediate steps to prevent an escalation of the situation and to neutralize its negative impact on the public," Din Syamsuddin, chairman of Muhammadiyah, said here on Wednesday.          He pointed out that if the issue is not resolved immediately, it will create widespread public unrest. The people will not consume bakso, and it will harm the interests of thousands of small traders who earn a living on the popular side dish.          Made of beef mixed with tapioca flour, bakso is a popular side dish in Indonesia, which is predominantly populated by Muslims. However, Muslims are not permitted to consume pork, according to Islamic law.