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