"The presence of such organization is still relevant so long as they are not oriented to negative primitive associations, but to associations that could contribute positively to communities around them, the nation and the country," he said at a gathering with members of communities from Pacitan, Ngawi, Magetan, Madiun and Ponorogo districts of Central and East Java here on Saturday.
President Yudhoyono, flanked by First Lady Any Yudhoyono, noted that Indonesia consists of various ethnic, religious, tribal and other groups of different identities.
"So long as we treat them as assets and as a strength, the differences certainly would not cause problems to our unity and solidarity," he said.
In view of that, he added that the presence of regional fraternities would not be a problem as long as they provide positive contributions.
Citing an example, he said communities could offer help when one of them found a problem or extend help if shortages occur, he said.
(W004/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
