Dispute over Sipadan and Ligitan

Dispute over Sipadan and Ligitan

From Suara Karya

Indonesia and Malaysia have been in dispute over the Sipadan
and Ligitan islands which lie over the tip of Kalimantan near the
Indonesian-Malaysian border. Negotiations between the two
countries have reached a deadlock. The Malaysian Government is
reported to have planned to take the case to the International
Court in The Hague.

Indonesia's stand is clear in that since the two islands
belonged to the former Dutch East Indies, they should now belong
to the Republic of Indonesia. It is based on a very solid law.
Indonesia and Malaysia are close neighbors and both are members
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both
peoples belong to one ethnic group i.e. Malay. Given these facts,
why can't the dispute over the two islands be settled in the
spirit of brotherhood and ASEAN cooperation?

I would like to suggest that a joint authority be established
so that Indonesia and Malaysia, as equal shareholders, can
develop the islands into tourist attractions. If the two
countries decide to make those areas an exclusive gambling
center, go ahead! The important fact is that the two countries
can benefit from such a joint venture. And the Singapore tycoons
can be invited to invest their money there. After 50 years of
joint enterprise, the two islands should be become the possession
of Indonesia.

Both the Indonesian and Malaysian Governments should be able
to adopt a "give and take" attitude and respect each other. There
is no use taking the matter to the International Court if it ends
up with Indonesia gaining the legitimate right to the islands
based on a very solid historical background.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta