Dispute over Sipadan and Ligitan<\/p>\n
From Suara Karya<\/p>\n
Indonesia and Malaysia have been in dispute over the Sipadan
\nand Ligitan islands which lie over the tip of Kalimantan near the
\nIndonesian-Malaysian border. Negotiations between the two
\ncountries have reached a deadlock. The Malaysian Government is
\nreported to have planned to take the case to the International
\nCourt in The Hague.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's stand is clear in that since the two islands
\nbelonged to the former Dutch East Indies, they should now belong
\nto the Republic of Indonesia. It is based on a very solid law.
\nIndonesia and Malaysia are close neighbors and both are members
\nof the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both
\npeoples belong to one ethnic group i.e. Malay. Given these facts,
\nwhy can't the dispute over the two islands be settled in the
\nspirit of brotherhood and ASEAN cooperation?<\/p>\n
I would like to suggest that a joint authority be established
\nso that Indonesia and Malaysia, as equal shareholders, can
\ndevelop the islands into tourist attractions. If the two
\ncountries decide to make those areas an exclusive gambling
\ncenter, go ahead! The important fact is that the two countries
\ncan benefit from such a joint venture. And the Singapore tycoons
\ncan be invited to invest their money there. After 50 years of
\njoint enterprise, the two islands should be become the possession
\nof Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Both the Indonesian and Malaysian Governments should be able
\nto adopt a \"give and take\" attitude and respect each other. There
\nis no use taking the matter to the International Court if it ends
\nup with Indonesia gaining the legitimate right to the islands
\nbased on a very solid historical background.<\/p>\n
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/dispute-over-sipadan-and-ligitan-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }