Timor forum for debate

The agitation over the Mantiri case continues to reverberate in both Indonesia and Australia. In Australia, the withdrawal of the nomination of the former chief of staff for general affairs of the Indonesian Armed Forces as the Indonesian ambassador to Canberra has caused a debate. The same is true for Jakarta.

For us, the withdrawal of Mantiri's appointment to replace Sabam Siagian is no longer a problem. Everything is clear. What does attract our attention is the persistence of the East Timor issue, which has turned out to be a formidable weapon which can make things difficult for Indonesia on the international forum. A handful of East Timorese in Australia have such a great influence on the opposition that neither Prime Minister Paul Keating nor (Foreign Minister) Gareth Evans have been able to defend Mantiri.

When we talk about East Timor, however, our diplomacy abroad needs to be taken into consideration. For many years the East Timor issue has not been on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly. The efforts to settle the East Timor issue are undertaken through a special channel under the coordination of the UN Secretary-general. This channel, however, is working too slowly because it is not feasible for the Secretary-general to speak about East Timor all the time.

Our diplomats abroad must have the courage to open a forum for debate and dialog with East Timorese residents. The East Timorese lobby abroad must be studied. Only in this manner will it be possible for us to launch a counter diplomacy.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta