Sipadan and Ligitan problem of territorial integrity<\/p>\n
As Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands, the islands of
\nSipadan and Ligitan, whose claim of ownership is being heard at
\nthe International Court of Justice in The Hague, Holland, are
\ninsignificant in terms of number.<\/p>\n
However, when it is a matter of sovereignty, every country
\nclaims it will defend every inch of its territory. That is why
\neven though Sipadan and Ligitan are only two tiny islands, we
\nhave demonstrated our steadfast struggle for them, particularly
\nbecause our claim over them overlaps with Malaysia's.<\/p>\n
Now the dispute has been left to the International Court of
\nJustice after the failure of two sides to settle it by
\nthemselves.<\/p>\n
We believe the International Court of Justice will thoroughly
\nsettle this overlapping claim in the fairest manner possible.
\nLater when the International Court of Justice has decided which
\nparty is the legitimate owner of these two islands, the other
\nparty must accept this decision magnanimously.<\/p>\n
We are not alone in facing these matters because Malaysia and
\nthe Philippines are still at loggerheads over Sabah. Malaysia and
\nSingapore are involved in a dispute over Batu Putih, an island
\nwhich Singapore calls Pedra Branca. Malaysia also lays claim to
\nthe Spratleys, a group of islands also claimed by five other
\ncountries.<\/p>\n
In the case of Sipadan and Ligitan, both Indonesia and
\nMalaysia have resorted to a wise and mature solution by leaving
\nthe dispute to be settled by the International Court of Justice.<\/p>\n
Another lesson that we should learn from the Sipadan and
\nLigitan case is that as we illustrate our serious attitude toward
\na problem about two small islands, then it is the same attitude
\nthat we must adopt toward our other islands or territory. -<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sipadan-and-ligitan-problem-of-territorial-integrity-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }