A thorn in one's side
After Soeharto took over power from Sukarno in 1967, for many years he had cleverly navigated Indonesia through political storms and crises, using his political instincts. His aim had always been to bring Indonesia to a safe port, but like Moses, he was to reach that promised land.
Through all the worsening relations between Indonesia, Washington and Canberra, most countries think that our day has passed and Indonesia is living dangerously at the mercy of foreign loans and aid. The East Timor dispute is being played for very high stakes and has steadily grown in magnitude and cost with many foreign countries involved.
Polarization of attitudes among Timorese as they left en mass in the aftermath of violence which took place after casting their votes in the referendum has raised questions as to whether it is a bane or a boon. If there is an easy, or even a reasonable alternative to a policy of reconciliation none has yet appeared. The consequences for Indonesia may well be a period of rising tension and danger rather then the opposite.
We have frequently seen the U.S. government export doves of peace and ship food to nations only then to turn around and drop bombs on the same nation or to apply economic sanctions. Can it be that today's friend may be the enemy of tomorrow?
Finally UN peacekeeping forces are allowed to enter East Timor. This was an act akin to closing the stable door when the horse had already bolted.
Undiplomatic and belligerent Australia has initiated a showdown and will continue to twist and turn, thaw and freeze, agree and disagree in pursuit of its ultimate aim to invade and sink Indonesia.
If Indonesia is ever destroyed, it will be from within. Not from outside. Indonesian people including the East Timorese have known the most bitter drugs of war, invasion and colonization in every major conflict since the beginning of time. It is axiomatic that what is known is less dreadful than the unknown.
In a world of growing interdependence what we ultimately want is to live peacefully side by side with all nations and with mutual respect.
HANS B. PANDJAITAN
Jakarta