Friendly solution called for

Friendly solution called for

Indonesia and Malaysia's overlapping claims to the Sipadan and Ligitan islands date back to a 1969 meeting which ended without the two sides reaching agreement.

Indonesia holds that the two islands, which lie off the province of East Kalimantan, are within its territory because they had previously been inside the area controlled by the Dutch colonial administration. Malaysia claims that the two islands are theirs, because the Dutch had handed them over to the British, Malaysia's former colonial masters.

So it is only natural that the two sides should test their claims through the international judiciary and with reference to historical data.

While a legal solution is still pending, Malaysia has reportedly been developing the islands into tourist resort areas.

The Sipadan and Ligitan issue is not a matter of quantity but one of quality. The size of the islands is not important. What is at stake is the sovereignty and the integrity of a nation.

It is only logical that Indonesia should maintain its claim to the islands. But a solution to the dispute should be sought in a friendly, familial spirit. Prolonging the dispute will only create unnecessary complications. Maintaining the close relationship between the two countries is far more important.

Given the good rapport between the two countries, we believe that they are able to solve any dispute, however complicated it may be, as long as they go about it in a spirit of good will.

Furthermore, the two countries bear a moral responsibility towards the other ASEAN countries. They should set an example to fellow ASEAN members regarding the peaceful resolution of disputes.

-- Kompas, Jakarta