Megawati's U.S. visit

Megawati's U.S. visit

Up until yesterday (Thursday), President Bush stuck to his agenda. The American embassy in Jakarta has made it known that President Megawati's visit would go ahead as planned, including her meeting with the U.S. president on Sept.19. True, this is a confirmation that came from the host. However, doesn't diplomacy have its own language?

The U.S. government would never cancel an invitation once it has been extended. This is a phenomenon that must be viewed as an aspect of the psychology of power, as a representation of America's feeling of self-respect -- a feeling that has been torn into tatters by terrorists.

For that reason, we must use our Eastern philosophy. It's not right to keep smiling while others are mourning their dead. From this perspective we would suggest that President Megawati delay her visit to America and allow President Bush to finish his home work. Moreover, mountains of homework are waiting at home for Ibu Mega to complete.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta