A thorn in one's side<\/p>\n
After Soeharto took over power from Sukarno in 1967, for many
\nyears he had cleverly navigated Indonesia through political
\nstorms and crises, using his political instincts. His aim had
\nalways been to bring Indonesia to a safe port, but like Moses, he
\nwas to reach that promised land.<\/p>\n
Through all the worsening relations between Indonesia,
\nWashington and Canberra, most countries think that our day has
\npassed and Indonesia is living dangerously at the mercy of
\nforeign loans and aid. The East Timor dispute is being played for
\nvery high stakes and has steadily grown in magnitude and cost
\nwith many foreign countries involved.<\/p>\n
Polarization of attitudes among Timorese as they left en mass
\nin the aftermath of violence which took place after casting their
\nvotes in the referendum has raised questions as to whether it is
\na bane or a boon. If there is an easy, or even a reasonable
\nalternative to a policy of reconciliation none has yet appeared.
\nThe consequences for Indonesia may well be a period of rising
\ntension and danger rather then the opposite.<\/p>\n
We have frequently seen the U.S. government export doves of
\npeace and ship food to nations only then to turn around and drop
\nbombs on the same nation or to apply economic sanctions. Can it
\nbe that today's friend may be the enemy of tomorrow?<\/p>\n
Finally UN peacekeeping forces are allowed to enter East
\nTimor. This was an act akin to closing the stable door when the
\nhorse had already bolted.<\/p>\n
Undiplomatic and belligerent Australia has initiated a
\nshowdown and will continue to twist and turn, thaw and freeze,
\nagree and disagree in pursuit of its ultimate aim to invade and
\nsink Indonesia.<\/p>\n
If Indonesia is ever destroyed, it will be from within. Not
\nfrom outside. Indonesian people including the East Timorese have
\nknown the most bitter drugs of war, invasion and colonization in
\nevery major conflict since the beginning of time. It is axiomatic
\nthat what is known is less dreadful than the unknown.<\/p>\n
In a world of growing interdependence what we ultimately want
\nis to live peacefully side by side with all nations and with
\nmutual respect.<\/p>\n
HANS B. PANDJAITAN<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-thorn-in-ones-side-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }