Trade must go on with Australia

The prolog and epilog or rather aftermath of the tragic episode relating to the land of Lorosae, better known as East Timor, will not only be long remembered but will continue to reverberate through history books and the hearts of those who have suffered immeasurably in the ordeal.

The most valuable lesson to draw from the affair for any nation, especially the one believing itself to be the strongest in its surroundings, is that annexation of adjacent territories, for whatever justifiable reasons and under whatever pretext, in the end should carry the approval of the international community, preferably of the United Nations.

Despite the declaration by Indonesia that it was forced to occupy the former Portuguese colony at the request of the majority of the population, it has become regarded as a unilateral action even with the blessing of the country's highest legislative body -- the People's Consultative Assembly. With that ignored, the act would appear to be no less than Anschluss, the German style annexation of its neighbors prior to the outbreak of World War II.

To the international world -- I mean in particular the UN Security Council and the World Police Force, the U.S., through its sheriff and spokesman U.S. President Clinton -- the interference by foreign forces is justified, although admittedly hurting the nationalistic pride of many Indonesians who still regard the former colony as belonging to the republic, thanks, in part, to Soeharto.

Another "unnecessary" and tragic ramification is the rift between Indonesia and Australia, who has declared itself to be the champion of the East Timor cause as the head of the UN force. Australia appears to be the nation's enemy this time around. During the independence struggle against the Dutch colonial power, it was Australian workers who staged a boycott of Dutch goods shipped to Australian ports and thus helped the republican cause.

What I would like to see most, however, is that despite the sudden rift, mainly caused by politicians in both countries, trade relations and transactions should not be stopped. In fact, they cannot possibly be stopped in both countries' interests and in the name of global free trade.

GANDHI SUKARDI

Jakarta