No more conflict, please

No more conflict, please

From Suara Karya

On the eve of the general election, party leaders should follow the principles of peaceful and fair competition, so as to reduce the risk of conflicts and clashes.

In this context, we welcome the initiative and move launched by the Forum of National Deliberation (FSAB), which is determined to end internal conflicts. The social organization under Suryo Susilo, set up by the grandchildren of national figures -- who in the past were opposed to each other -- is expected to support the government's attempt at national reconciliation.

Indonesia's history was filled with conflicts arising from differences in how to deal with colonizers. Originally there were two opposing camps, one willing to cooperate with the Dutch and the other rejecting cooperation. The conflicts intensified following national independence.

Though national reconciliation is rather difficult to achieve, the only way toward the achievement of national aspirations is to create secure, peaceful and conflict-free conditions. Therefore, we appeal to political leaders to support the FSAB's endeavor and help popularize its noble mission to "stop handing down conflicts" to future generations.

BUDI PURNOMO Alliance for National Integrity Jakarta