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