On the E. Timor issue<\/p>\n
I greatly appreciated Mr. Tony Jennings' letter on East Timor
\nand development (Jan. 22, 1997). Not many foreigners, especially
\nwesterners, are willing to understand the real position of
\nIndonesia on the East Timor issue. They seem to close their eyes
\non the effort Indonesian authorities have made in the last 20
\nyears to develop the province.<\/p>\n
My view may be wrong, but I sense the western world seems to
\nbe prejudiced towards Indonesia. This is perhaps because of the
\nunfavorable reputation Indonesia has obtained as a result of the
\nwestern media's exposure of corruption and human rights
\nviolations in the country.<\/p>\n
The world should be more realistic and unbiased to separate
\nthe tarnished image of Indonesia from the East Timor issue
\nitself. The fact is East Timor was left in chaos and poverty when
\nPortugal abandoned it. They had achieved little for the region in
\nover three hundred years. Therefore, Portugal has no right to
\ndiscredit Indonesia. As for Ramos Horta who has been campaigning
\nfor independence, I wonder what sacrifices he has made for the
\nEast Timor people. He seems to enjoy talking on what the western
\nmedia would like to hear.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, the East Timor issue is certainly a difficult
\ntask for Indonesia to work on. I believe, however, that Indonesia
\nis on the right path to carry on its commitment to develop the
\nregion. I also believe that by improving our image on the whole,
\nwe shall win the hearts of the world.<\/p>\n
JENNY LAURITZ KHOENG<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-the-e-timor-issue-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }