"All leaders in the country must be aware that misunderstanding could happen any time and so they must never be careless, insensitive and weak," he said in a press conference here on Friday.
He said diversity in ethnic and community groups on the one hand is a blessing but on the other hand may trigger conflicts unless they are managed well.
"I have always said that the diversity is a blessing but it may also create vulnerability when one becomes narrow minded over ethnic or religious differences. Our country is rich with diversities but it is also vulnerable," he said.
President Yudhoyono expressed deep concern over a recent communal clash in Lampung. He said the regional government and security agencies must have sensitivity so that such an incident could be detected earlier.
He reminded that communal clashes could always happen between the newcomers and those who have long lived in one region and so village heads to governors must be sensitive over gaps emerging between them.
"The gaps that occur must be managed well. Newcomers must assimilate while indigenous people must be empowered. Local leaders must understand it. I called on all regional governments to be sensitive and responsive," he said.
Regarding conflicts that have often happened in the country President Yudhoyono said he has already assigned the coordinating minister for political, security and legal affairs to study them with regard to finding their solutions.
Several people have been killed following a communal clash in Lampung recently.
(P008/H-YH/A014)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
