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