President; Indonesia's Territorial Integrity Must Not Be Disturbed

Jakarta, Aug 16 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has warned that Indonesia`s borders and territory, including Aceh and Papua, must not be encroached upon by domestic or foreign parties. "We need to reiterate that Aceh and Papua are inseparable parts of the Unitary State of Indonesia. For the Indonesian nation, this stance is non-negotiable," the president said during his state-of-the-nation address at the Parliament Building here on Friday, in observance of the 68th anniversary of Indonesia`s Independence, which will be celebrated on August 17. All groups in Indonesia, as well as abroad, must refrain from propaganda and provocations that might disturb Indonesia`s territorial integrity, President Yudhoyono added. "We have, so far, always respected other country`s territorial integrity and sovereignty. So we expect the same principle will be applied reciprocally," he added. President Yudhoyono also urged all groups in the nation to actively prevent political activities that could harm relations between Indonesia and other countries. "Don`t hurt the feeling of the Indonesian people, because we also do not want to hurt other nations," he said. In his address, the president also mentioned that the conflict in Aceh had ended peacefully. "It`s now time for every element of the people in Aceh to build a more prosperous and peaceful future," he said. President Yudhoyono also noted that any action that could jeopardize the peace in Aceh must be avoided. "I hope every party in Aceh would bury past conflicts wholeheartedly and sincerely," he stated. President Yudhoyono added that the government will continue promoting sustainable and just development in Papua. "We are also designing a special autonomy formula that could provide added value and offer a new breakthrough for the progress and glory of Papua," he added.