Unitary state final: Kostrad chief

Unitary state final: Kostrad chief

MALANG, East Java: Chief of the Army Strategic Reserves
Command (Kostrad) Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Saturday
that the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesian (NKRI) was
already final and was non-negotiable.

"We are ready to maintain and defend the unitary state of
Indonesia to the last drop of our blood. Unfortunately, there is
still uncertainty and hesitation to quel and combat separatism in
the country," he said here on Saturday.

He made the remarks in a talk with Taufik Kiemas (President
Megawawati's husband) and legislators who were making a working
visit to the headquarters of Kostrad's Infantry Division II in
Malang.

Ryamizard said the hesitation to quel separatism was due to
the fact that the military itself was adhering to unclear
policies.

"In fact, the country is now in a precarious situation because
of the emergence of separatist movements which have eclipsed
nationalism ," he said.

He said efforts to maintain the unitary state of Indonesia
could not only be made through better human resources but should
also be supported by adequate facilities and infrastructure which
were the government's responsibility to create or provide. --Antara