Putting East Timor priorities right<\/p>\n
East Timor, the Republic of Indonesia's youngest province,
\ncontinues to be a subject for debate on international forums.
\nPrincipally, of course, this is because Portugal is utilizing all
\nthe diplomatic means at its disposal to keep the issue rolling.
\nIndonesia, it must be admitted, is finding it difficult to
\ncounter Lisbon's slick and aggressive onslaught. Many people have
\nsuggested that Indonesia launch a heightened counter diplomacy.
\nThere is nothing really wrong with these suggestions. However,
\nthis may not be the best alternative available.<\/p>\n
As Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has repeatedly stated, the most
\neffective way to win this diplomatic war against Portugal is by
\nmaking sure that there will be no serious problems in East Timor.
\nTherefore, the focus of our efforts should remain on pushing the
\nadvancement of the people of this 27th province of Indonesia. Not
\nonly in material terms, but also by promoting a recognition of
\nthe fact that the choice of integration with Indonesia, which
\nlocal leaders made some two decades ago, is indeed the best
\nchoice for the people of East Timor.<\/p>\n
It must be admitted that this is not an easy task to carry
\nout. This is mainly due to East Timor's different historical
\nbackground. The province was colonized by the Portuguese, not by
\nthe Dutch, as was the case with Indonesia's other provinces. If
\none considers the fact that religious differences caused India
\nand Pakistan to split, even though they shared a similar ethnic
\nand colonial background, it will be clear that East Timor's
\nintegration with Indonesia will take a good deal of energy,
\npatience and wisdom to succeed.<\/p>\n
This energy, patience and wisdom should be aimed at winning
\nthe hearts and minds of the people of East Timor, rather than at
\nappeasing the international community. So far, the impression is
\nthat it is the latter aim that has been getting the priority.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/putting-east-timor-priorities-right-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }