Two neighbors at odds

Two neighbors at odds

I read with keen interest Sukawarsini Djelantik's article on
the Australian media as well as Dewi Anggraeni's analysis of the
lack of mutual understanding between the Australian and
Indonesian peoples (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 7). These pieces are
exemplary attempts to create a political environment conducive to
improving the two countries' relations. It gives me great relief
that despite the seeming inaction of Jakarta and Canberra,
efforts are being made by the public to shed light upon this
diplomatic crisis.

I feel that in order to complement these writers' intentions,
it has to be acknowledged that the Indonesian media has also
played a significant role in influencing anti-Australian
sentiments. This may not be apparent from observing newspapers
such as the Post, whose contents are geared largely toward its
foreign and expatriate readership. However, a glance through
publications such as Republika and Gatra reveals that news
coverage is often done with an overzealous nationalistic slant.

The growing freedom of the press has certainly benefited
political reform. Yet, this trend can also have negative
consequences. As different types of newspapers, tabloids and
magazines saturate the market, sensationalizing news reports has
apparently become an easy way out for some publishers desperate
for increased readership. The lack of objectivity in reporting
news only furthers ignorance among the people, especially
considering that many Indonesians often still act on their
emotions and are unable to think critically.

On a slightly different topic, I find it rather interesting
that the Post printed Jim Aubrey's article on the opposite page
of Sukawarsini's essay on the Australian media's lack of insight
into Indonesian affairs. Although I do not necessarily oppose
Aubrey's general point of view, his article reeks of emotional,
self-righteous, patronizing and insensitive remarks as well as
limited knowledge of the complexities surrounding Indonesian
politics and nationhood. It is as if Sukawarsini's analysis was
based on a reading of Audrey's article.

It is insensible for these neighboring nations to remain in
such a poor state of relations. Unfortunately, domestic political
conditions in both countries currently do not favor immediate
solutions to the diplomatic tensions. Australian Prime Minister
John Howard manipulates the East Timor issue to further his own
political interest while, at the same time, government officials
in Jakarta frequently use Australia as a scapegoat for all their
mistakes and ineptitude in dealing with the crisis. In the middle
of this all, the media in both countries is guilty for allowing
itself to be manipulated by these self-interested politicians.

SANTO DARMOSUMARTO

Bekasi, West Java