Unfortunate distractions<\/p>\n
Different words have been used to express the official
\nreactions to the latest events, but in conclusion it may be said
\nthat the demonstration by a group of East Timorese students at
\nthe United States Embassy in Jakarta and the rioting which
\noccurred in Dili in the last several days are highly unfortunate
\nincidents indeed. Unfortunate, because they occurred at a time
\nwhen the government of Indonesia and the people alike are poised
\nto host this country's most important international gathering of
\nthe year: the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Bogor.<\/p>\n
It is an ingrained part of our culture that we always try to
\nbe a good host and that hence we will spare nothing in our power
\nto make sure that we please our guests. In the case of today's
\nAPEC meeting, the government has taken practically every measure
\npossible to ensure that the international gathering will be a
\nsuccess.<\/p>\n
Some people have even complained that the authorities are
\ngoing too far out of their way to please those guests. For
\nexample, although many Jakartans are naturally delighted by the
\nfact that two extra holidays were proclaimed for the city, street
\nvendors, who are being kept from doing their daily business
\nbecause of the measure, have grumbled.<\/p>\n
Now, suddenly, there are those two incidents.<\/p>\n
Actually, judging by the chronology of events, one might say
\nthat they could have been anticipated. Nov. 12, after all,
\nhappens to be the anniversary of the Dili Incident of 1991. In
\npast years attempts have usually been made to stage protests on
\nthat particular day.<\/p>\n
However, seeking reasons or scapegoats does not help to clear
\nup the situation. A much better attitude would be for us to use
\nour common sense and not to react in anger. For one thing, this
\nwill prevent us from falling into the trap of emotional decision-
\nmaking and the making of unnecessary blunders.<\/p>\n
Some of the visiting leaders, such as President Bill Clinton,
\nhave already stated that they will raise the human rights issue
\nduring their visit to Jakarta. Hence, it seems practically
\ncertain that the East Timor issue will be raised during the
\nplanned bilateral talks.<\/p>\n
One could argue that since the APEC conference is an economic
\nmeeting that will decide the future direction of half of the
\nworld's economies, one might just as well disregard the Timor
\nincidents as something trivial, or at least insubstantial. Still,
\nthe issue of East Timor is clearly there and must thus somehow be
\naddressed, lest it continue to haunt us for many more years to
\ncome.<\/p>\n
For the last several years, particularly after the Dili
\nIncident of 1991, most people here have acknowledged that a fresh
\napproach should be made in addressing the East Timor issue. Many
\nfeel that a new policy should be outlined, which will put greater
\nemphasis on psychological considerations and address the
\nsituation of the people of East Timor.<\/p>\n
It must be said that the government has already started to
\nmove in that direction, for instance by cutting the number of
\ncombat troops in the area, by creating more job opportunities,
\nand even, if the reports are true, by considering giving this
\n27th province a special status.<\/p>\n
With regard to the two most recent incidents, it seems that
\nthe government has not moved fast enough with its new policies.
\nAnd since we believe that at present East Timor is an economic
\nand human rights problem, more than a political one, we think
\nthat we should start moving faster. Perhaps more incentives could
\nbe offered for investments in the province. And even other
\nmeasures could be taken.<\/p>\n
Most important of all, however, efforts may be necessary to
\nensure that the understanding of the concepts of basic rights
\ngets a wider base in the province. In other words, we should do
\nsome serious soul-searching to find out what has gone wrong, and
\nwhy. And then we should set out to adjust our approach and our
\npolicies even more.<\/p>\n
In conclusion we must say that, unfortunate as they are, the
\nlatest incidents should not be allowed to overshadow or distract
\nfrom the importance of the current APEC meetings in Jakarta and
\nBogor. After all, this truly is a historic event that could
\ndetermine the well-being of the hundreds of millions of people
\nwho live in this region in the years and decades that are to
\ncome. Surely, this is an effort that is worth our fullest
\nattention.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/unfortunate-distractions-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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