Feisal warns of narrow primordialism

Feisal warns of narrow primordialism

JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung says many countries' unity is threatened because of people's tendency to place their individual interests above those of the nation.

Opening the third national congress of the Community of Servicemen's Wives at ABRI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, yesterday, Feisal expressed gratitude that Indonesia is able to withstand such threats, which he called "narrow primordialism".

"It's fortunate we have built a strong sense of solidarity and unity in our nation, so that we are able to implement the motto of unity within diversity," the general was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

He said that in order to stay united, the nation needs the people to tolerate each other, to cooperate and to "know one's place in relation to others".

"We'll have unity if we build solidarity between and tolerance toward different groups, and if community members realize their roles in society, and if people help each other, " he said.

The general praised the Community for its role in helping ABRI carry out its political mission. He said he hoped the organization would be able to mobilize its members and help make the 1997 general election a success.

The congress lasts until March 23. (rms)