East Timor and independence

East Timor and independence

From Pikiran Rakyat

Indonesia can be an independent state and survive as one because it has natural resources, which serve as a source of income to finance the needs of the state.

We know that to establish a state the most important thing to have must be a source of income to finance the survival of the state. In the case of the republic of Indonesia itself, although in its early days it faced a lot of difficulties, the perseverance and determination of our leaders and the country's rich natural resources have made Indonesia respectable in the world (though, unfortunately, it is now home to a lot of corruptors).

Brunei is a small country with a small population but it was able to become one of the world's richest countries because of its rich oil resources. Singapore is also small but it is a harbor and trade city generating quite huge earnings.

Likewise, Monaco is small and could gain its independence thanks to a special treaty with France. Monaco can finance itself because it is an international gambling venue.

As for East Timor, what can this region hope to rely on for its survival? It was under Portuguese colonial rule for hundreds of years and has got virtually nothing from Portugal as an asset for its independence. Can Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao and Jose Ramos-Horta lead East Timor as an independent state without any money? East Timor, now devastated, will need money for its reconstruction and for its survival as an independent state. Where will the money come from? Donations from other countries?

East Timor used to be 27th province of Indonesia. If it were to remain part of Indonesia, financing for its reconstruction would come from Indonesia. Indonesia has never been a colonial ruler in East Timor. If East Timor were to remain part Indonesia, its people would not suffer and would not be killed by foreign (in this case Australian) troops. The East Timorese live in great misery because of sweet promises made by some people who are greedy for power. If only the East Timorese had decided to remain within Indonesia, many giant companies would have established business projects in East Timor in cooperation with foreign investors.

HM DODDY FACHRUROZIE

Bandung