Making new foes

Making new foes

From Rakyat Merdeka

I do not understand why the government and the politicians are angry at Australia because of East Timor. Didn't the East Timor problem arise because of the two options offered by President B.J. Habibie?

What benefit can Indonesia derive now and in the future with its antagonistic attitude toward the international community? Will it help us out of our economic, political, security, law and human rights mess?

Making new foes abroad will only makes things go from bad to worse. In fact, hostile acts are rampant among our countrymen so we have enemies everywhere and anywhere.

My impression is that we have resorted to an exaggerated reaction to Australia. We have expressed our nationalism in the wrong way until it resembles chauvinism. Criticism from a foreign party is bound to make us angry or hysterical. Our mentality as a nation is indeed very weak.

In my opinion, we must devote our energy to improving our domestic situation. Our anger and annoyance must be directed at the government, which has brought about a host of unresolved problems, like the Soeharto case, Bank Bali scandal, the problem of East Timorese refugees and many others. If a world or foreign agency "rebukes" us, we should just take it easy.

It is not necessary for us to yell "Go to hell with your aid" because we are, in fact, in dire need of international sympathy and aid. We must be smart enough to cash in on international superiority in the interest of our own country. When we are in deep trouble, we must be calmer, more rational, more chivalrous and more determined than ever before. Or else, whither this country.

RHA SALEH

Jakarta