Mantiri's withdrawal

Had (Lt. Gen. Herman) Mantiri become the Indonesian ambassador to Australia, he would be representing the Indonesian government and the Indonesian people. As (Foreign Minister Ali) Alatas said, it would be inconceivable for us to allow our ambassador to be made a target for disproportionate affront, especially when done merely in the interest of political disputes.

No less important, the withdrawal of Mantiri's nomination actually constitutes a strategic move not only for Indonesia but also for Australia. Despite all the ups and downs, Indonesia and Australia have managed to establish very good relations. Of late, those relations have further improved.

On the other hand, however, the withdrawal of Mantiri's nomination without naming a replacement is an indication of the Indonesian government's disposition towards the case. In diplomatic usage, this is not common. It would be correct, therefore, for the Australian government to view the fact of the Indonesian ambassadorship in Canberra being left vacant -- albeit temporarily -- as an indication that the Indonesian government is not too happy about the drift of developments lately.

Even so, considering that the two are close neighbors who have managed to establish good relations, we hope this problem can be thoroughly settled without delay. Certainly we do not want this case to develop into a diplomatic crisis which will destroy the relationship between the two countries. If that were to happen, the winners would be the East Timorese anti-integration groups.

-- Republika, Jakarta