Justice for the Moros

The so-called Asia-Pacific Conference on East Timor, which is being held in Manila, has prompted me to write this letter about the Moros rebellion. My purpose is to show that those Filipinos attending the conference, instead of agitating themselves about what is strictly Indonesian domestic politics, should spend their energy on something far more useful, that is how to alleviate the profound inequities suffered by six million of their fellow citizens in the southern Philippines.

The modern conflict between the Moros and the Philippine government may be viewed as part and parcel of a centuries-long struggle by the Moros to assert their independence and cultural heritage in their traditional homeland in the southern Philippines, namely Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago and Palawan Island.

I think what is required now is a greater change of heart on the part of certain Filipinos.

MASLI ARMAN

Jakarta