Do we have national pride?

The UN-approved International Force for East Timor (Interfet) arrived in the territory on Sept. 20. Even though there was a "mild" argument raised by Indonesia in an attempt to prevent Australia from leading this peacekeeping force, the United Nations Security Council had decided that Australia would lead the force. Various comments, concerns and protests were raised by Indonesia. The greatest reaction was seen from the Indonesian Military (TNI) with the cancellation of the 1995 security cooperation agreement with Australia.

Some people have said the United Nations and certain foreign countries have humiliated us. Frankly, we currently have nothing to be proud of. Being under the pressure of a huge foreign debt, we are economically under the supervision of the International Monetary Fund and controlled by powerful and capitalistic countries. The consequence is that we have to listen and do whatever they tell us to do, particularly when it comes to running our economy.

M. SULHAN ASKANDAR

Jakarta