What if Java decided it was time to go it alone?

A visiting American friend asked me how things were and I poured out my grievances, glad for an eager listener.

I told him my biggest concern was that there would be no more Indonesia. It just seemed to me that there was no end to this tunnel of confusion that was our own doing: Repression, corruption, party in-fighting, the secessionist movements.

I went on and on, citing examples that, to me, were tantamount to our digging our own grave. And, in the blink of an eye, Indonesia disappeared. End of story.

I was about to embark on another long lamentation of our fate as a nation when my friend jolted me with a question: "What if Java secedes?"

I looked at him, stunned.

"You won't be able to feed the people."

I went home, troubled by his question. Yes, what if Java -- Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java -- seceded?

Under the name Kingdom of Java? No, that would be returning to the "dark" ages. Democratic Republic of Java? That would be more fitting, and the "democratic" label would surely gain support from the world community.

Aren't they pushing for democracy, after all? And most important, the new nation would shed the label many Westerners and non-Javanese attach to the Javanese -- that they are colonizers of outer regions.

It's fortunate that previous governments have concentrated most of the elements that make up the basis of a sovereign country on Java: defense, economy and finance, technology and industry, education and culture. In short, Java meets all the requirements for a sovereign, self-sufficient nation.

But how are we going to feed the people, as pointed out by my friend? (Indeed, he said it in such a way I was beginning to suspect he was sorry he ever came up with the idea).

At the office, I asked a friend the same question.

"No way, it can't survive on its own," came the answer.

True, Java has too large a population for its own good, which explains why successive governments have packed off its citizens to other islands from its mostly barren, water-poor land.

But look at Singapore. It is nothing compared to Java in terms of size and natural resources, but it has managed to become one of Asia's richest, most advanced countries.

I suddenly felt more optimistic about the scheme. Yet, the only fear I have is that if Java declares independence, Australia might grab Papua, the whole Timor island and Maluku (predominantly Protestant and Catholic areas), with Bali as another possibility (many Australians already own many of Bali's tourist facilities, anyway); Singapore might invade Batam, probably Riau as well, for much-needed sand.

Then Malaysia might take over Aceh because of religious sentiment and then probably the rest of Kalimantan for good measure; China might occupy the Spratly and Natuna islands. And there is nothing the regions could do against the invaders because they don't have the means to defend themselves.

Meanwhile, the Muslim-populated regions in West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi, Ternate and North Maluku may decide to remain with Java because of religious leanings and because they, too, have no defenses.

There is always the possibility that Java may say no to their intention of joining the new nation as it would be too busy warding off invasion from those satellite nations.

A fanciful notion, perhaps -- what do you think?

-- Sheila Putri