Think, E. Timor brothers

Think, E. Timor brothers

From Sinar Pagi

Seeing the reports in the media on East Timor, I think that the proposal and explanation by foreign minister Ali Alatas to free the province if the first option is rejected, is not the result of international pressure but that of Portugal and Australia and anti-integration groups both at home and abroad. But, do these people want to take responsibility if anything happens in East Timor? Are they willing to return to an independent East Timor while they put their wealth and jobs abroad in the balance? They now say that this does not solve the problem. Dialogs without end! It is a waste of funds and the people's taxes.

In my opinion it is the politics of two countries we have not thought of or the people of East Timor themselves. If East Timor is separated from Indonesia they will automatically repatriate all unsuccessful East Timorese who are a burden to the two countries above. What will they do on arrival in East Timor? Education and job opportunities for example will not be as easy as they are now.

I think the people in East Timor should determine the choice themselves and not the people in exile and those outside East Timor, because it is they who lead a difficult life and have gone through the process of development, not the people who left their brothers in misery these past 22 years.

This is politics none of us have thought of. Indonesia's decision to release East Timor is correct. There is no need for Indonesia to arrange things there. It is time for Indonesia to be firm.

The East Timor people should think seriously in the interests of the third generation not the present one. There is no need for the government to be transitional there. It would be a waste of funds and the people's taxes.

EKO ARDIYANTO

Jakarta