Sumatra Unite says Golkar

Sumatra Unite says Golkar

PADANG, West Sumatra: Golkar Party legislators of Sumatran
origin initiated the establishment of a United Sumatra forum on
Sunday in a bid to boost regional development on the island.

Coordinator of the newly launched forum, Azwir Dainu Tara, who
is deputy chairman of Commission II on Domestic and Legal Affairs
at the House of Representatives, said the idea was also aimed at
preventing regional conflict on the island which is carved-up
into seven provinces.

According to Azwir the establishment of the forum would also
answer challenges of regional autonomy policy.

"Development on Sumatra island should be boosted in the
regional autonomy era and all assets of the island should be
maintained to become key factors in raising regional revenue,"
Azwir said.

Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung, also Sumatran, attended the
ceremony to launch the forum.

He supported the forum and suggested that the initiative be
introduced to legislators from other factions. (28)