Kalla: Indonesia Must Unite to Tackle Economic Problems
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Jumat, 21 Agustus 2015 16:20 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Vice President Jusuf Kalla said the national and state unity is one of the right solutions to solve that economic problems that are hitting Indonesia.
According Kalla, Indonesia’s diverse ethnicities, such as Sundanese, Javanese, Buginese, Minangese and others, are not a weakness. They are instead a potential that can make this country even stronger.
“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This nation is strong because we are different and that difference is our strength,” said Kalla during his address at the 42nd Paguyuban Pasundan Congress in Banding on Friday.
Kalla gave an example on the harmonious relationship between the Sundanes and the Buginese. During the colonial era, the Buginese people were exiled to Pasundan land. “That was the colonialist’s attempt to divide Indonesia. However, it united us instead.”
Kalla further praised West Java which has a large Sundanese society. “Sunda has given everything to the nation. Without West Java’s food, I think Indonesia will starve,” he said.
Therefore, Kalla added, Indonesian people must unite to overcome the country’s economic challenges. “When our condition is collapsing, the opportunity to rise is higher,” he said.
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