Sipadan and Ligitan problem of territorial integrity

Sipadan and Ligitan problem of territorial integrity

As Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands, the islands of Sipadan and Ligitan, whose claim of ownership is being heard at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Holland, are insignificant in terms of number.

However, when it is a matter of sovereignty, every country claims it will defend every inch of its territory. That is why even though Sipadan and Ligitan are only two tiny islands, we have demonstrated our steadfast struggle for them, particularly because our claim over them overlaps with Malaysia's.

Now the dispute has been left to the International Court of Justice after the failure of two sides to settle it by themselves.

We believe the International Court of Justice will thoroughly settle this overlapping claim in the fairest manner possible. Later when the International Court of Justice has decided which party is the legitimate owner of these two islands, the other party must accept this decision magnanimously.

We are not alone in facing these matters because Malaysia and the Philippines are still at loggerheads over Sabah. Malaysia and Singapore are involved in a dispute over Batu Putih, an island which Singapore calls Pedra Branca. Malaysia also lays claim to the Spratleys, a group of islands also claimed by five other countries.

In the case of Sipadan and Ligitan, both Indonesia and Malaysia have resorted to a wise and mature solution by leaving the dispute to be settled by the International Court of Justice.

Another lesson that we should learn from the Sipadan and Ligitan case is that as we illustrate our serious attitude toward a problem about two small islands, then it is the same attitude that we must adopt toward our other islands or territory. -

-- Kompas, Jakarta