A new family friend<\/p>\n
In six weeks time, East Timor will be formally declared
\nindependent of Indonesia. The newly and democratically elected
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly cannot deny the majority wish of
\nthe East Timorese.<\/p>\n
Indonesia will also have a new president, Cabinet and military
\nchief.<\/p>\n
Both countries will start the third millennium a week after
\nthe end of Christmas and Ramadhan, somewhat cleansed, renewed,
\ntwo new citizens in the international community of the world's
\nunited democratic nations.<\/p>\n
But today, East Timor is the poorest province of Indonesia,
\ncurrently requiring 90 percent of its annual budget as a subsidy
\nfrom the central government.<\/p>\n
Internally, beginning next year the new Indonesian government
\nwill move forward on the second phase of its 25-year long-term
\ndevelopment plan. East Timor was, and should remain, a part of
\nthat plan.<\/p>\n
The greatest act of friendship the new Indonesian government
\ncan perform is to retain the small portion of the national budget
\nit had allocated to East Timor as a direct grant toward its
\nreconstruction and development, and guarantee this assistance to
\nthe end of the long-term plan in 2020.<\/p>\n
Then both the world and the East Timorese will be a little
\nmore assured that the two countries, with their fine cultures and
\ntraditions, recognize each other as partners and family friends
\nwho need a helping hand for a while.<\/p>\n
East Timor's gratitude would be reciprocated in new business
\nand cultural ties.<\/p>\n
Though a little early perhaps, a happy and prosperous third
\nmillennium to you both.<\/p>\n
SEAMUS MCELROY<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-new-family-friend-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }