On visit to Israel

Kamapradipta I.'s letter SBY's proposed side visit to Israel (The Jakarta Post, July 23) in response to my article Susilo should visit Israel too (July 19, page 6) only emphasizes my point: The government of Indonesia, as befitting that of a nation representing 235 million "overwhelmingly nationalistic and secular" citizens has a duty to make it's views known directly, face to face, in meetings and diplomatic exchanges, whether based on Indonesia's position as a largely Muslim country expressing support for Muslims (and Christians) in Palestine, or as a nation advocating a policy of non-alignment, non-discrimination and the basic rights of nations as expressed in the Declaration of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership. The absence of discourse of any kind has not advanced anybody's position to date.

As regards Indonesia's past policies, it suffices to point to the terrible occupation of East Timor which lasted close to 25 years and came to an end after continuous and, finally, forceful engagement by the international community. It was this, in conjunction with the economic crisis of 1998, that resulted in president Habibie throwing in the towel and initiating withdrawal.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono would do his country and its citizens, and the Palestinians and Israel, a great service by reminding the Israelis, face to face as part of a serious and considered diplomatic exchange, about what the prospects are for countries that attempt to maintain occupations over populations rightfully claiming self-determination in their own lands, be they Muslims or Christians.

EMANUEL SHAHAF, Tel Aviv