Friendly solution called for<\/p>\n
Indonesia and Malaysia's overlapping claims to the Sipadan and
\nLigitan islands date back to a 1969 meeting which ended without
\nthe two sides reaching agreement.<\/p>\n
Indonesia holds that the two islands, which lie off the
\nprovince of East Kalimantan, are within its territory because
\nthey had previously been inside the area controlled by the Dutch
\ncolonial administration. Malaysia claims that the two islands are
\ntheirs, because the Dutch had handed them over to the British,
\nMalaysia's former colonial masters.<\/p>\n
So it is only natural that the two sides should test their
\nclaims through the international judiciary and with reference to
\nhistorical data.<\/p>\n
While a legal solution is still pending, Malaysia has
\nreportedly been developing the islands into tourist resort areas.<\/p>\n
The Sipadan and Ligitan issue is not a matter of quantity but
\none of quality. The size of the islands is not important. What is
\nat stake is the sovereignty and the integrity of a nation.<\/p>\n
It is only logical that Indonesia should maintain its claim to
\nthe islands. But a solution to the dispute should be sought in a
\nfriendly, familial spirit. Prolonging the dispute will only
\ncreate unnecessary complications. Maintaining the close
\nrelationship between the two countries is far more important.<\/p>\n
Given the good rapport between the two countries, we believe
\nthat they are able to solve any dispute, however complicated it
\nmay be, as long as they go about it in a spirit of good will.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the two countries bear a moral responsibility
\ntowards the other ASEAN countries. They should set an example to
\nfellow ASEAN members regarding the peaceful resolution of
\ndisputes.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/friendly-solution-called-for-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }