Preventing disintegration

As we know, communities in many regions of Indonesia are prone to conflicts, Indonesia being a hugely diverse nation. That is why the process of nation building in this country is a process in which there is no journey's end. Our conclusion is that there is no other choice but to put the problem of separatism in this country high on the government's list of priorities.

To prevent the disintegration of the nation, a formula has been agreed upon which gives Aceh and Irian Jaya the status of special autonomy. Other regions will also be granted broad autonomy, a true autonomy that ensures them a fair share of their internal revenues as well as the right to look after their own internal affairs in a genuine manner.

The preparations for this have been made and have in part already begun to be implemented. This may sound easy on paper. In practice, however, a steady commitment is needed. The Cabinet minister in charge of regional autonomy will thus naturally determine to what degree that commitment is kept.

-- Kompas, Jakarta