Bridges of understanding<\/p>\n
The East Timor case has made it increasingly clear that many
\nbridges of understanding need to be built between the two nations
\n(Indonesia and Australia). Just one bridge of formal relations
\nbetween the two states has proven to be insufficient because
\nstates have a disposition toward arrogance as well as political
\ninterests that do not always represent the concerns of the
\npeoples involved.<\/p>\n
Take, for example, culture. There are about 18,000 young
\nIndonesians studying in Australia, and each month thousands of
\nIndonesian traders and businesspeople visit major cities in
\nAustralia. The same is true for Australians living and traveling
\nto Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The question is, what does this traffic of people in both
\ndirections contribute toward building understanding? Why is there
\nno growth of understanding arising from these ties of friendship?
\nCould it be that a certain attitude of rejection has been allowed
\nto grow so much as to keep the two peoples apart?<\/p>\n
This would mean that there has been a failure on the cultural
\nlevel. In order to improve a relationship that is never cordial,
\na solution on the cultural level must be found. In the meantime,
\nwhile searching for such a solution, Indonesians must understand
\nthat in this intercourse between nations any form of simple-
\nmindedness must be avoided. Every time we act foolishly --
\nespecially where issues of humanity are involved -- we are
\nputting our head in the tiger's mouth.<\/p>\n
It would be a sad situation if these neighboring nations
\nshould allow themselves to rely only on one bridge -- that of
\nformal diplomatic relations -- to achieve understanding.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bridges-of-understanding-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }