Mahfud MD: The Indonesian-Chinese Association Is At The Forefront Of Maintaining Diversity

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD/DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD wants the Indonesian-Chinese Association (INTI) community organization to be at the forefront of maintaining diversity and harmony between community groups.

"The INTI association must be able to encourage the process of social assimilation to create harmony in the life of the nation," said Deputy VI for Coordination of National Unity at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Janedjri M. Gaffar while reading the remarks by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs at INTI's 5th National Conference in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Sunday, December 19.

Mahfud, through his remarks, explained that the Indonesian national identity was not only based on one particular ethnicity, race, language and religion, but on the ideas and aspirations of living an independent life and abolishing colonialism.

“Diversity is a human reality, as well as a historical reality that cannot be denied. History shows that a nation will experience endless wars and even destruction when imposing uniformity in managing the life of the nation and state," explained the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs.

Diversity is a shared commitment that the Indonesian nation consists of various ethnic groups, races, religions and languages. Therefore, harmony and concern need to be maintained in daily life so that there are no divisions between community groups.

Mahfud said that harmony and concern can be done if the groups intermingle with each other. Mixing is an attitude and act of getting to know each other, communicating, and interacting with different groups of people.

Because of that, he explained that every citizen and all parties need to be given space and roles both in the environment of residence, government, politics, and the economy so that no particular group is exclusive or closed off.

Related to that, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs believes that INTI can be at the forefront as an organization that is inclusive or open to different groups.

"I believe the INTI Association as a mass organization is able to be at the forefront in increasing harmony and concern for the common interest as an Indonesian nation," said Mahfud MD.