Making new foes<\/p>\n
From Rakyat Merdeka<\/p>\n
I do not understand why the government and the politicians are
\nangry at Australia because of East Timor. Didn't the East Timor
\nproblem arise because of the two options offered by President
\nB.J. Habibie?<\/p>\n
What benefit can Indonesia derive now and in the future with
\nits antagonistic attitude toward the international community?
\nWill it help us out of our economic, political, security, law and
\nhuman rights mess?<\/p>\n
Making new foes abroad will only makes things go from bad to
\nworse. In fact, hostile acts are rampant among our countrymen so
\nwe have enemies everywhere and anywhere.<\/p>\n
My impression is that we have resorted to an exaggerated
\nreaction to Australia. We have expressed our nationalism in the
\nwrong way until it resembles chauvinism. Criticism from a foreign
\nparty is bound to make us angry or hysterical. Our mentality as a
\nnation is indeed very weak.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, we must devote our energy to improving our
\ndomestic situation. Our anger and annoyance must be directed at
\nthe government, which has brought about a host of unresolved
\nproblems, like the Soeharto case, Bank Bali scandal, the problem
\nof East Timorese refugees and many others. If a world or foreign
\nagency \"rebukes\" us, we should just take it easy.<\/p>\n
It is not necessary for us to yell \"Go to hell with your aid\"
\nbecause we are, in fact, in dire need of international sympathy
\nand aid. We must be smart enough to cash in on international
\nsuperiority in the interest of our own country. When we are in
\ndeep trouble, we must be calmer, more rational, more chivalrous
\nand more determined than ever before. Or else, whither this
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
RHA SALEH<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/making-new-foes-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }