Belo's interview

Lately the media has been filled with news about Bishop Belo's controversial interview with a German magazine, Der Spiegel.

I entirely agree with the stand taken by the government. It shows wisdom and maturity. Why should Belo's case be blown up unnecessarily. Nobody wins in controversies, but to some people Bishop Belo is a hero and to others he is a traitor.

There are already enough contradictions in our country. We should give greater focus to means and ways of solving more pressing problems like eradicating poverty and combating crime waves.

The government prefers to wait for the official transcript of Belo's interview and then decide what to do. I hope this does not mean the government will do nothing.

We should view Bishop Belo from two different angles: first, as a Catholic leader and, second, as an Indonesian citizen. As a bishop he is responsible to the Pope for his actions and teachings, and I think this is accepted by the government. But when he crosses this barrier and starts talking like a common citizen, he has the same obligation, the same rights and the same duty as other citizens. It is here, I think, that the government has the right to act upon him when he says or does something detrimental and harmful to the nation.

Regarding his controversial interview with Der Spiegel, Belo alone knows exactly what he said. Therefore from the very beginning he should have reacted immediately to explain the situation. His silence and reluctance to give an explanation is very strange, if not suspicious.

We have been criticized by people who are ignorant of East Timor's truth. However, many politically important countries know the real situation. So statements by radicals are just ripples in the political ocean.

What we have to do is stay calm, continue to work and build the nation, alleviate the suffering of the people and bring happiness to every home.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta