Japan's apology

Japan's apology

We are glad that in the end Japan has felt it proper to extent
an apology to other Asian countries. This kind of attitude
deserves commendation. The question at present, however, is
whether such an apology is of such importance for the building of
closer relations between Japan and other countries of Asia.

Without overlooking the lives of Asians lost during World War
II and without disregarding history, we think forcing Japan to
apologize is not the most important thing to do at this time. The
global realities that exist at present should open the eyes of
Japanese, and Asians in general, of the importance of promoting a
new spirit of Asian solidarity inspired by a drive towards
progress and greatness.

If Asians find it necessary to make demands on Japan due to
this spirit of Asian solidarity, it should be that Japan must
refrain from practicing economic imperialism, that Japan should
not view Asia as a mere market but rather as a partner.

As Japan continues to cover the world with its maze of
investments, it will at one time feel the need for an instrument
to protect those investments. The most enticing option would be
to do so by military force. Thus, it is not impossible that at
one time Japanese militarism will rise again.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta