Kalimantan community demands fair treatment<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Kalimantan community representatives declared on
\nSunday their allegiance to the state but issued a carefully
\nworded demand for more recognition from the government.<\/p>\n
Signing the 17-point declaration were Z.A. Maulani, chairman
\nof the All-Indonesian Kalimantan Community, who is also the head
\nof the State Intelligence Coordinating Board, Oesman Sapta, E.
\nAlamsyah, A.A. Machrany and Ilham Asid, who are respected figures
\nfrom West, Central, South and East Kalimantan.<\/p>\n
The declaration was issued after the community held its two-
\nday congress here, Antara reported. The congress was titled
\n\"United Kalimantan For Sustainable Development\".<\/p>\n
The declaration of loyalty to the unitary state quelled
\nsuggestions that calls for separation might emanate from the
\nprovince, following calls made in Aceh in North Sumatra and Irian
\nJaya.<\/p>\n
Up to 30,000 West Kalimantan residents have fled ethnic
\nclashes in Sambas regency. The conflict has claimed at least 200
\nlives.<\/p>\n
\"The congress also urges that all laws on political matters,
\nsuch as elections, political parties and legislative bodies, the
\nlaw on regional autonomy and fiscal balance be implemented
\nhonestly and fairly,\" the declaration said.<\/p>\n
The congress claimed to represent 11 million people living in
\nthe country's largest, resource-rich, but sparsely-populated
\nprovince.<\/p>\n
Over the past decades, locals have accused Jakarta of unfair
\nincome distribution generated from exploitation of the province's
\nresources.<\/p>\n
Activists have long condemned the environmental destruction
\nbrought about by exploitation of natural resources by many
\npolitically well-connected companies.<\/p>\n
The declaration said the Kalimantan community demanded their
\npeople's economy be \"empowered\" and that the province be
\ndeveloped into a new economic center that could also benefit
\nlocals.<\/p>\n
\"The congress is also set to advance the dignity and respect
\nof the Kalimantan community who stand equal to others within the
\nnew democratic, participative Indonesia that upholds the
\nsupremacy of law,\" the declaration said.<\/p>\n
The congress called on all legislative members at the regency
\nand provincial levels to work to absorb public aspirations in
\ntheir respective constituencies.<\/p>\n
\"They must fight for the interests of the Kalimantan community
\ntogether with the local administration, and they must appoint
\ngovernors, regents and mayors who can lead with the vision and
\nmission of the Kalimantan community.\"<\/p>\n
The congress agreed to establish a communication forum, the
\nCommunication Forum for Kalimantan Development, to increase
\nparticipation in developing the island and its people.<\/p>\n
Maulani, who is a retired Army lieutenant general, said the
\ncongress did not discuss \"practical political matters\".<\/p>\n
The congress concentrated on \"strategic issues\" concerning
\ndevelopment of the island, said Maulani, a native of East
\nKalimantan. (aan)<\/p>",
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