'Allow Israel, Portugal to attend sporting event'
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia would not be compromising its foreign policy by allowing Israel and Portugal to participate in a sporting event to be held in Jakarta by the International Olympic Committee, a former cabinet minister said yesterday.
Speaking at a forum of former Indonesian ambassadors, Emil Salim said that the participation of the two countries, with which Indonesia does not have diplomatic ties, would be in accordance with protocol. He said the Indonesian people should distinguish between political events and sporting events organized by an international body.
"We have to convey to our people that it is not Indonesia which is holding the event, it doesn't mean Indonesia will then recognize them," the former senior cabinet minister asserted.
Jakarta has been chosen to host the 38th World Outdoor Archery Championships which will take place between Aug. 1 and Aug. 6. The event is scheduled to be opened by President Soeharto.
As members of the World Archery Body (FITA), Portugal and Israel are required to attend, especially since the Championships are the qualifying round for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta in the United States.
Lisbon severed diplomatic ties with Jakarta after its integration of the former Portuguese colony of East Timor in 1976, while the state of Israel is not recognized by Indonesia.
"Our attitude in facing international events, such as Olympic sports events, international professional meetings or international conferences which are apolitical in nature should be assessed with a clear mind," he said.
Emil argued that such practices should be accepted because they were a part of sports protocol.
"The custom of hoisting the flag or playing the national anthem of countries we consider 'enemies' should be allowed in accordance with the international protocol," he said.
Emil said he expected several sections of society to express opposition to his views. "I know there will be community leaders here who will clamor over the issue. That's why there is a need to solve the problem domestically."
Invitation
Meanwhile the deputy executive chairman of the Championship's organizing committee, Udi Harsono, told journalists yesterday that no decision had yet been reached in relation to the dilemma.
"Thus far this matter has not been solved. I can't offer any comments," said Udi, who is also deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Archery Association.
Udi said 62 countries had agreed to take part in the Championships. FITA has 105 member countries.
Informed sources at the association told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Portugal and Israel were among the countries that had expressed a desire to take part in the Championships. This implies the committee has already invited the two countries.
According to Emil Salim, allowing Portugal and Israel to participate in the Championships would boost Indonesia's image.
"It would show the maturity of the nation. We are no longer a minor nation, no longer immature," he said.
He said that the country should be forward-looking in its approach and free itself from the anchor of the past because, he continued, the problems of tomorrow should not be assessed merely on the basis of the past.
While stressing that Indonesia should not move from its current position, Emil said the disputes between Jakarta and Lisbon would one day be resolved.
"What about in 2005 or 2010?" he asked, adding that "the Indonesian people should be cultivated to become more mature in facing the changes occurring in the world." (arf/mds)