Weak diplomacy

Weak diplomacy

From Forum Keadilan

Everyone knows about the cancellation of the purchase of U.S. F-16 fighter planes as a result of human rights issues in East Timor. In my opinion, the case is proof of the fragility of Indonesian diplomacy concerning human rights in East Timor. It would actually have been better to let some U.S. Senate members speak vehemently about human rights issues and Indonesia should be up to responding by diplomacy. After all, those voices are not a decision by Congress.

The Indonesian government has made too hasty a decision. It would have been better if it had issued a warning of cancellation of the order, if the U.S. persisted in exercising pressure on human rights. At least, it is important to see their reaction to such a statement.

This case shows that Indonesian diplomacy abroad on human rights in East Timor is still not capable of influencing the outside world, especially the U.S.

ABU NAZAR

Jakarta