East Timor referendum

East Timor referendum

In his article on East Timor (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 24), after admitting his mistaken comments on the issue and bravely taking the criticism against him, Kwik Kian Gie further wrote: "I believe it is therefore only logical that a referendum is the best way to let the East Timorese decide what they want to do about their future."

No one would want to refute this idea. However, the next paragraph appears to contradict notions with only "some assumptions" as the basis of his reasoning. While it was probably not totally wrong to employ "what if" scenarios when talking about what will happen in the future, it should be noted that these assumptions tend to shift the focus from what we believe is the best way -- that is, a referendum.

When will we, as a nation, begin making decisions on important issues based on principles of morality and logic, and then stick with our decisions whatever their consequences? Of course we need to consider the consequences of our decisions to properly anticipate them. But this should not change what we believe is the best solution.

For a long time, decisions concerning the welfare of this nation have been based solely on calculations of material gains and losses. Solutions at the root of the problem are often deliberately avoided -- as this would require hard work and uncomfortable side effects -- and morally sound cures are left behind as merely ideals.

ILHAM DJAJA

Jakarta