On the E. Timor issue

On the E. Timor issue

I greatly appreciated Mr. Tony Jennings' letter on East Timor
and development (Jan. 22, 1997). Not many foreigners, especially
westerners, are willing to understand the real position of
Indonesia on the East Timor issue. They seem to close their eyes
on the effort Indonesian authorities have made in the last 20
years to develop the province.

My view may be wrong, but I sense the western world seems to
be prejudiced towards Indonesia. This is perhaps because of the
unfavorable reputation Indonesia has obtained as a result of the
western media's exposure of corruption and human rights
violations in the country.

The world should be more realistic and unbiased to separate
the tarnished image of Indonesia from the East Timor issue
itself. The fact is East Timor was left in chaos and poverty when
Portugal abandoned it. They had achieved little for the region in
over three hundred years. Therefore, Portugal has no right to
discredit Indonesia. As for Ramos Horta who has been campaigning
for independence, I wonder what sacrifices he has made for the
East Timor people. He seems to enjoy talking on what the western
media would like to hear.

In my opinion, the East Timor issue is certainly a difficult
task for Indonesia to work on. I believe, however, that Indonesia
is on the right path to carry on its commitment to develop the
region. I also believe that by improving our image on the whole,
we shall win the hearts of the world.

JENNY LAURITZ KHOENG

Jakarta