Resolve all cases of violence

Resolve all cases of violence

It is suspected that the rampage (in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara) and the killing of UN personnel was intended to damage the reputation of Indonesia, since it occurred at the very time almost all of the world's most influential leaders were assembled (in New York) to attend the Millennium Summit.

Politicizing the East Timor issue in the international arena is nothing new. Ever since it became a part of Indonesia, East Timor was a thorn in the side of this country. Unfortunately, this is still true even though the East Timorese have opted to declare an independent nation.

It would be most appropriate for the government to resolve this case without delay. The issue must be resolved before it becomes an even more serious international political issue. It seems that this incident could open the door for foreign troops to enter Indonesia.

However, the government should not fall into the trap of resolving only cases that have an international impact. It must remain consistent in its efforts to resolve all the cases of violence, even though the world is paying little attention to them.

-- Republika, Jakarta