Mediating the Moro conflict

Mediating the Moro conflict

Negotiations, now in the third phase, between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is presently being held at the Sari Pacific Hotel in Jakarta. As in their two previous meetings, it is hoped that this encounter will yield substantial results.

In the past two years the two conflicting parties have chosen Indonesia to facilitate the finding of a settlement for the bloody conflict which is now almost three decades old. Since the Tripoli Accord of 1976, bloody clashes have continued between government forces and MNLF guerrillas, who are demanding a separate state in the Southern Philippines.

With regard to the question of autonomy, the government in Manila -- because of U.S. influence -- wants a form of federalism, while the MNLF wants a form of autonomy closer to secession. It is the task of the Jakarta meeting to try to find a meeting point. Indonesia of course is not in a position to say which concept is better. The only example Indonesia can give is the fact that this Republic has solidly survived for 50 years despite its diverse culture.

If it is successful in mediating this conflict, Jakarta will have scored its second diplomatic accomplishment in helping settle conflicts in Southeast Asia. Previously, Jakarta played a vital role in the Cambodian peace process.

Indonesia continues to grow in importance in the field of diplomacy, particularly in Southeast Asia. This position comes after three decades of Indonesia proving itself to be an economically and politically stable country. Indonesia has been trusted to facilitate the current peace process because it has no interests of its own with regard to the conflict in Mindanao.

We hope the question of autonomy for the Moros of the Southern Philippines can be resolved soon so that the people can live free of the threat of armed force.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta