YKPK gets positive responses from ministers

YKPK gets positive responses from ministers

JAKARTA (JP): Sixty-seven influential public figures
established the National Brotherhood Foundation on Monday,
reportedly in an effort to save the nation from polarizing social
developments.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
Soesilo Soedarman applauded their concern for the nation and the
founding of the Yayasan Kerukunan Persaudaraan Kebangsaan, or
YKPK.

Minister of Defense Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat also came out in
support of the organization, as did Amien Rais, chairman of the
28 million-member Muhammadiyah Moslem organization and a leading
member of the powerful Indonesian Association of Moslem
Intellectuals (ICMI).

"There's nothing wrong with the establishment of the
foundation," Soesilo said yesterday.

The Antara news agency quoted chairman Lt. Gen. (ret) Bambang
Triantoro as saying that the founders are concerned about the
growing "individualistic and egoistic attitudes from various
groups, the increasing gap in all fields and increased
competition."

Bambang was a former deputy to the military's chief of staff,
as well as the military's former chief of social and political
affairs.

He was also once the Ministry of Education and Culture's
secretary-general and is now a member of the Supreme Advisory
Council.

Soesilo did not confirm the existence of any polarity in
society but hailed the foundation as proof of the founders'
commitment to national stability.

As "...critical and caring citizens", the founders, he said,
are examples of personalities who cannot stand idle.

"I am not judging the individuals involved...but they mean
well," Soesilo commented. "The important thing is to think
positively."

Edi Sudradjat praised the "non-sectarian" nature of the
foundation, which includes representatives of various groups.

"(The Foundation) covers Indonesia. There is even an
Irianese," he said, referring to former governor of Irian Jaya,
Barnabas Suebu.

Their right to organize, he said, is legally guaranteed. He
also praised their intention to broaden their nationalistic
views.

"That is good, let them be," said Soesilo, adding that their
presence does not raise problems with such established
organizations as ICMI and the recently formed Association for
Pancasila Development, or PCPP.

"Instead, the YKPK will strengthen and enrich the
nationalistic spirit in a pluralistic Indonesia," said Soesilo.

"...Anything that is constitutional.. does not need to be
hindered," said Amien. "Let every potential of this nation
surface on the national stage, to join in a healthy competition
in their contribution to society," he said.

He added his conviction that "as the social laws dictate, any
group which is useful will survive and grow," while useless ones
will fade away.

"With an open heart I welcome YKPK, PCPP, or any (group)," he
said.

Other figures in the foundation include former House Speaker
Kharis Suhud, Moslem leader Dahlan Ranuwihardjo, intellectual
Harsya Bachtiar and former Catholic party leader Frans Seda.
(anr)