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)