Appeal to

Appeal to Chinese businessmen

From Warta Kota

Former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid recently called on wealthy Chinese businessmen in Indonesia to assist small and medium-scale businessmen in the country, regardless of their origins.

Speaking at Hotel Mercure Rekso in West Jakarta, he said major businesses would not survive without the support of small businesses.

The Chinese community in Indonesia, like other ethnic groups, is part of the Indonesian nation. But Chinese businessmen's domination of the country's economy has aroused social envy. For that reason, they often become the victims of social unrest.

Such a situation is unfavorable to the future of the nation and could threaten national integrity. In the current reform period, it is necessary to restore harmonious relations among various ethnic groups in the country.

ABUBAKAR SHAHAB

Jakarta