The purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia has led to hot

The purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia has led to hot debate, not only in the House of Representatives, but also among the general public. This case has been widely reported in the mass media and has prompted protest rallies. It is true that this matter is really attracting attention.

Interestingly, the sales of state-owned telecommunications company Indosat to a foreign party have drawn less attention than the purchase of Sukhoi jets.

It must be remembered that Sukhoi jet fighters are tangible, while Indosat is one of the state's intangible assets. In point of fact, when you talk about the sales of Indosat to a foreign party, this must involve discussion about Indonesia's sovereignty over the site in outer space, where Indonesia's Palapa satellite is located, and Indonesia's proprietorship over this satellite. This satellite may be considered an island in outer space that belongs to Indonesia. Ironically, there is a lot of fuss about the purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters but there is hardly any comment on the sale of a country's sovereignty.

One may safely conclude that most members of the House and the general public do not quite understand the significance of a state's sovereignty. Likewise, the same lack of understanding on this matter is found on the part of the government of the Republic of Indonesia as the seller of this state enterprise to a foreign party.

YOGI SUPARDI Jakarta