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