Indonesia argues with Malaysia for islands

Indonesia argues with Malaysia for islands

Agence France-Presse, The Hague

Indonesia began it opening remarks on Monday at the International Court of Justice to assert its right to two tiny, resource-rich islands over competing claims by Malaysia.

In his introduction, Jakarta's representative Hassan Wirayuda outlined the major points that will be used in the two-week hearing.

"Large or small, states take issues of sovereignty seriously, and Indonesia is no exception," he said.

"Being a country comprised exclusively of islands, this case is particularly important to my government and to the people of Indonesia."

The territorial dispute concerns Sipadan and Ligitan, islands in the Sulawesi sea off Malaysia's eastern Sabah state that are a diver's paradise -- and more to the point, known to be rich in oil and natural gas reserves.

Sipadan drew international attention in April 2000 after a band of Muslim rebels -- the Abu Sayyaf gang from neighboring Philippines -- raided the island and kidnapped 21 Malaysians and foreigners.

Indonesia is basing its territorial claim on a 1891 Anglo- Dutch treaty, which accorded it the islands.

The dispute with Malaysia dates back to 1969 when the two countries, unable to define the boundaries, decided to maintain the status quo borders temporarily.

Hassan accused Malaysia of having destroyed the status quo, "first by issuing maps showing the island as Malaysia, and later by erecting a series of tourist installations on Sipadan."

This is the first Southeast Asian territorial dispute to go to the ICJ and diplomats say it is a reflection that countries in the region are able to settle their differences through talks.

Both sides have said they will respect the decision of the court, the supreme legal body of the United Nations.

Hassan said that despite the territorial row, "relations between the two countries remain excellent."