PSMTI decries discrimination

PSMTI decries discrimination

BATAM, Riau: The Chinese-Indonesian community's Paguyuban
Sosial Marga Tionghoa Indonesia (PSMTI) ended its first congress
here on Friday night with pledge against any form of
discrimination.

In its statements read by the secretary of the plenary session
Dharma Yudha, PSMTI said that Chinese descends (in Indonesia)
were part of the Indonesian nation as reflected in its slogan
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Diversity in One).

"The Chinese-Indonesians by all means have the rights for the
same legal treatment with other Indonesians, and that any form of
discrimination, which is against human rights, must be
eliminated," the statements said.

"The Chinese-Indonesians will always take part in any
development activities toward the democratic Indonesia, which
respects ethnicity."

The three-day congress also reelected Brig. Gen. (ret) Tedy
Yusuf PSMTI chairman for the 2000-2003 period.

Tedy said that the lineup of the new executive board would be
completed within two months.

"The result of the congress will be reported to President
Abdurrahman Wahid," Tedy said, adding that PSMTI's future program
would be focused on efforts to minimize (national) conflicts and
internal conflicts among the Chinese-Indonesian community.
(26/sur)