Malaysia gets crafty

Malaysia gets crafty

From Kompas

Malaysia is among the nations in the world with "crafty" moves, as shown in the border dispute with Indonesia over the ownership of Sipadan and Ligitan islands. Malaysia built resorts on the islands even before the dispute was settled, without responding to Indonesia's protests.

This Malaysian activity gave the International Court of Justice reason to grant Malaysia's claim over the two islands. This victory was also thanks to Malaysia's sophisticated international lobbying.

However, its actual target was certainly the resource-rich waters in the Ambalat offshore block owned by Indonesia. Malaysia was aware that Indonesia would strongly react to the concession it gave to the Shell oil company, which was already in the Malaysian scenario.

This maneuver apparently was made with the aim of strengthening Malaysia's bargaining position in bilateral negotiations. Therefore, the Indonesian government should watch out for any traps in the Malaysian scenario.

The government should adhere to the principle that not an inch of territory will be illegitimately given up to other countries. No political compromise that will harm the interests of future generations should ever be made.

WARIH DESANTORO Jakarta