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