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)