Jakarta – A senior Indonesian regional military officer has slammed the leaders of the country's political parties, saying their self-interests are leading the country to suicide.

The Wirabuawa Regional Military Commander, Major-General Slamet Kirbiantoro, on Thursday criticised the political leaders who attack each other and put aside the interests of the country, the Indonesian Observer said. "We are all in the process of killing ourselves. I see that our political elite are only fighting one other," Maj-Gen Kirbiantoro told reporters in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar.

He said the conflict among the political elite has distracted them from the problems facing Indonesia, particularly separatist movements in a number of regions. "We are in the process of committing suicide," he was quoted by Detik.com as saying.

Political tension has risen prior to the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) next month, with open conflict between those who want President Abdurrahman Wahid to remain in office and those who want him to step down.

Maj-Gen Kirbiantoro said that many Indonesian leaders do not realise the danger of disintegration faced by the nation. "If they do not immediately wake up from their dream, I worry that we will really kill ourselves."