Disparity to blame for unrest

Disparity to blame for unrest

JAKARTA (JP): Social unrest in Indonesia has largely stemmed
from the widening gulf between the rich and the poor, Armed
Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday.

Economic disparity is a delicate issue that Indonesia should
address properly, he said when addressing a conference on ABRI's
civic mission in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi.

"Certain people and groups has always manipulated the issue to
shape public opinion of the government for their personal
political gains," he said.

Some may use it to hamper the 1997 general election, he said
as reported by Antara.

Feisal said ABRI's civic mission aims to help people in rural
areas improve their well-being and narrow the gap between the
rich and the poor.

Experience has shown that the missions are good ways to
address the issue of economic disparity and improve people's
social solidarity in the villages, he claimed.

Meanwhile, Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono said troops on
civic missions should work harder for better results in line with
rising public demand.

"The missions have undoubtedly brought about positive results
for the public," he said.

Hartono, who is in charge of the civic missions, said the 21
days available for every civic mission are not enough for
participants to achieve the set target.

In some areas like Irian Jaya and Maluku, he said, the
geographical conditions are so difficult, transportation means
inadequate and infrastructure poor that participants have
difficulties in getting their equipment to where it is needed.
(imn)