Danger in ethnic-based grouping

Danger in ethnic-based grouping

JAKARTA (JP): The establishment of ethnic-based organizations
should be stopped because their activities can undermine national
integrity, the Association of Retired Civil Servants (Wredatama)
said on Wednesday.

The association, chaired by Warsito Puspoyo, expressed concern
to President Megawati Soekarnoputri that the specter of "regional
fanaticism" threatens national unity.

Regional fanaticism is fomented by the establishment of
ethnic-based groups, which insist that gubernatorial and regent
posts be awarded to local figures, thereby weakening the
authority of the central government and leading to separatism,
Warsito said.

The association urged the president to take necessary measures
to halt these practices.

"The president promised to consider our proposal," Warsito
told journalists.--JP