No apology needed

Now, after 50 years of independence and as we are welcoming Queen Beatrix, the question is whether it's still relevant to debate the issue of 350 years of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia. And are we to indulge in demands for an apology?

Colonialism is an interesting subject for study and research. However, any act of looking back on our past history should not lead ourself to demean our dignity as a free nation. For that reason we must welcome Queen Beatrix as queen of a sovereign nation whose mission is to strengthen the friendly relations.

We are a great country and a great nation. Debating the need for an apology only opens old wounds. The damage would become even greater when the rhetoric involved implies a baseless arrogance.

The greatness of the Indonesian people has already been proved by its capability to oust the colonial power 50 years ago. Now, during the visit of Queen Beatrix, we must once again prove that we are indeed a great nation.

As far as we are concerned the fact that Indonesia attained its independence on August 17, 1945, is a reality which no one can deny. That fact will not grow or diminish in significance whether or not there is any recognition or apology from Queen Beatrix.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta