Never take national unity for granted: YKPK
Never take national unity for granted: YKPK
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia should not take unity and harmonious
coexistence between citizens from multi-cultural backgrounds for
granted, an organization of retired generals and bureaucrats
advised yesterday.
"Although the nation has recorded tremendous economic success
in its 30 years of development, YKPK believes the nation still
has many basic problems to address," Lt. Gen. (ret). Bambang
Triantoro said at the organization's first anniversary
celebration.
YKPK, or the National Brotherhood Foundation, is a non-
government organization led by Bambang, a former chief of
sociopolitical affairs in the Armed Forces.
"Only certain societal groups have control over our natural
resources, land, funding -- including foreign aid -- and human
resources," Bambang said. "It's high time we thought about equal
distribution of the development cake."
Bambang said that the foundation "is only trying to
articulate" the nation's problems in the hope those in power will
hear.
The foundation is one of a number of non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) that sprung up last year. The sudden
emergence of so many NGOs sparked national debates.
Bambang said he and his colleagues formed the foundation to
defend the nation against destabilizing political practices.
"Because, as a nation, we suffer from a communication gap
which is keeping us apart, if it continues leaders will lose
touch with the people," he said.
The foundation stresses the need for a good education system
which it believes has yet to materialize.
"The problem stems from the lack of political and social
commitment which is made evident by the small education budget,
continuing lack of teachers and good learning facilities,"
Bambang said.
Founded in October last year, YKPK comprises some 70 statesmen
and leaders of other organizations. Prominent members are human
rights campaigners and politicians like Marzuki Darusman,
Soetandio Wignjosubroto, Kharis Suhud, R. Soeprapto, Mochtar
Buchori, Matori Abdul Jalil and Christianto Wibisono. (26)