Putting East Timor priorities right

East Timor, the Republic of Indonesia's youngest province, continues to be a subject for debate on international forums. Principally, of course, this is because Portugal is utilizing all the diplomatic means at its disposal to keep the issue rolling. Indonesia, it must be admitted, is finding it difficult to counter Lisbon's slick and aggressive onslaught. Many people have suggested that Indonesia launch a heightened counter diplomacy. There is nothing really wrong with these suggestions. However, this may not be the best alternative available.

As Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has repeatedly stated, the most effective way to win this diplomatic war against Portugal is by making sure that there will be no serious problems in East Timor. Therefore, the focus of our efforts should remain on pushing the advancement of the people of this 27th province of Indonesia. Not only in material terms, but also by promoting a recognition of the fact that the choice of integration with Indonesia, which local leaders made some two decades ago, is indeed the best choice for the people of East Timor.

It must be admitted that this is not an easy task to carry out. This is mainly due to East Timor's different historical background. The province was colonized by the Portuguese, not by the Dutch, as was the case with Indonesia's other provinces. If one considers the fact that religious differences caused India and Pakistan to split, even though they shared a similar ethnic and colonial background, it will be clear that East Timor's integration with Indonesia will take a good deal of energy, patience and wisdom to succeed.

This energy, patience and wisdom should be aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the people of East Timor, rather than at appeasing the international community. So far, the impression is that it is the latter aim that has been getting the priority.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta