RI must take lead in Cambodian crisis: Observers

JAKARTA (JP): Observers said yesterday Indonesia had to play a lead role in helping resolve the Cambodian crisis if ASEAN's mission to Phnom Penh is to be successful.

Speaking in a radio debate at the state-owned station RRI, former ambassador to Australia Sabam Siagian and legislators Aisyah Amini and Suprapto, agreed that it should be made clear the proposals to be tabled are Indonesian proposals, thus giving them more weight.

Both said Indonesia's regional clout and past role in Cambodia might mean the country's current strongman, Hun Sen, will listen to an Indonesian view.

"Hun Sen will listen to Indonesia," Sabam said. "A clear and forceful show of Indonesian foreign policy will help ASEAN," he said.

Indonesia, on behalf of ASEAN, played a key role in helping to end decades of civil war in Cambodia which culminated in the 1991 Paris Peace talks.

The fragile peace was ruptured early last month when Hun Sen's forces attacked troops loyal to first Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh.

The turmoil forced ASEAN to postpone Cambodia becoming a member of the group. An earlier ASEAN mission to Cambodia was rebuffed by Hun Sen but he has since welcomed ASEAN's role.

Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas will leave for Phnom Penh today to meet with Hun Sen. Alatas will be joined there by Thai foreign minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn and Filipino foreign minister Domingo Siazon.

The foreign ministry's director general for political affairs, Nugroho Wisnumurti, who also participated in yesterday's debate, said Jakarta's view could help sway Hun Sen.

But he warned that Indonesia could not assert itself too much because it was an ASEAN mission.

"We can't put ASEAN at the rear ... we cannot proceed alone," Nugroho said.

But Sabam said that while not trying to take things into its own hands, Indonesia's influence had to be clearly highlighted so Hun Sen would take notice.

United Development Party legislator Aisyah Amini said the mission was a test of Indonesia's diplomacy.

She cited the important role being played by Alatas, adding that Indonesia had an interest in maintaining stability on the southeast Asian mainland.

Armed Forces (ABRI) legislator Suprapto said creating stability in Cambodia was part of the concept of creating regional resilience.

Sabam said the message to be taken to Hun Sen had to convey that Indonesia was ready to help restore peace in Cambodia, but that Hun Sen had to ensure stability and the smooth running of elections next May.

Sabam visited Cambodia earlier this year, as part of a team of leading regional figures, to study the latest developments there. (mds)