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