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)