RI strategic to three neighbors

RI strategic to three neighbors

The above title complements a news story titled Strategic
Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, which means that the three
countries are strategic for Indonesia. As a complement to that
story we point out that Indonesia is also strategic for those
three neighbors.

The recent working conference of Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hassan Wirajuda and House of Representatives Commission I for
defense, foreign and political affairs was not a mere routine
meeting. The meeting discussed the strategic perspectives of the
reciprocal relationships between Indonesia and its three closest
neighbors -- Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

The most serious and obvious problem disturbing the
relationship between Indonesia and Singapore was sparked by a
statement from Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew that
Singapore was still at risk of becoming a target of terror
attacks because terrorist leaders were still free in Indonesia.

Tension has emerged in the relationship between Indonesia and
Malaysia because of the treatment by Malaysia of Indonesian
workers seeking jobs there. The flow of illegal immigrants
through Indonesia to Australia has triggered a problem in the
relationship with that neighbor.

Relations between Indonesia and Australia have been adversely
affected by various issues, such as the East Timor issue, the
Papua issue and the immigration problem.

The foreign minister's meeting with House Commission I also
underlined how Indonesia should work to get along with other
nations and how Indonesia should conduct its foreign policy.

We should examine our history, especially in establishing
movements and struggling together. We should observe our
historical inheritance and identity. We can see our country's
natural wealth and large population.

In this current critical period, Indonesia must position
itself in international relations with a proper and fair
attitude.

-- Kompas, Jakarta