East Kalimantan wary of conflict

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Togar M. Sianipar warned here on Wednesday that East Kalimantan could see ethnic violence similar to that in neighboring Central Kalimantan due to the population's heterogeneous ethnic composition.

Togar noted that ethnic violence had erupted in Sambas, West Kalimantan, just two years ago and it could also happen in East Kalimantan due to the similar demographic conditions.

"The community here should strengthen its sense of brotherhood and unity to avoid bloody incidents like those in Sampit from occurring here," he said as quoted by Antara.

He further urged an end to ethnic bias which helped spark the conflicts.

He warned that on a larger scale, any nation with a large population comprising of many ethnicities would crumble if it failed to construct a strong sense of nationhood.

"History has recorded this fact," Togar remarked, adding that the recent brutality which has emerged in Sampit is far from the kind and compassionate image many have of Indonesians.