East Kalimantan wary of conflict

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.