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)