How to approach East Timor

How to approach East Timor

Each time the situation in East Timor heats up the question of how to best administer the territory arises. One strong proposition which is expressed each time suggests that the socio- cultural heritage of the people of East Timor be used as a pointer and guiding principle.

Each time, too, we are reminded of the time factor involved in the process of East Timor's integration into the Indonesian Republic. Also, there are factors brought by the changing era, involving such aspects as the people's increased mobility, the openness of the region and the differences that exist in the stages of development and the skills commanded by the local population and those of other regions.

What kind of management, of administration and development policy, then, is best for East Timor? The answer is: the one which the local people perceive as offering them and their cultural heritage the best possible protection -- autonomy. An autonomy, perhaps, that is expressed primarily and as far as possible in the administration's personnel.

The message we want to convey is: it is the proper time that the Liquisa incident, which has once again placed East Timor in the center of public attention, is followed up not only in the military sense, but that it is used to reconsider the manner in which East Timor society is best administered and approached -- one that is regarded to show consideration to their social and cultural identity.

-- Kompas, Jakarta