Kosovo's independence

Mon, 02/25/2008 12:02 PM  |  Reader's Forum

Yes, it is every nation's right to declare independence. Wait till the time is ripe though. A baby starts crawling first then it will walk. Kosovo started `walking' too soon. Severe accidents might happen.
CISCA B.
Jakarta

Recognizing Kosovo's independence and its breakaway from Serbia creates a dangerous precedent in encouraging minority groups in other countries, including in Indonesia, to clamor for independence. We cannot turn the clock back. Indonesia must think carefully before considering its position on recognizing this breakaway state.
PAT LISK
Jakarta

I agree for Kosovo to declare itself independent, because many times it has always been under pressure by Serbia. Everybody has the right to freedom.
SETYAWAN SUBAGYO
Jakarta

If Indonesia should recognize Kosovo, it should also allow that Papua declare its own independence from Indonesia. The reaction of Golkar to recognize Kosovo is a reaction from a chicken without a head.
H. RENDERS
Bali

I agree with Kosovo's independence. Every nation has the right to declare their independence. If Kosovo can't settle with Serbia anymore, why don't we agree to let Kosovo free?
ERFAN
Jakarta

To build a new country is easier than to maintain it. Kosovo's decision for independence is a description that identifies with our Aceh province. The United States is eager to lead the little new country to get natural resources, so it supports its independence.

Please take a lesson from Kosovo. Pancasila is the best ideology for Indonesia rather than a religion-based ideology. If we choose another ideology, it is only a matter of time for Indonesia to collapse.
JOKO SUKISNO
Bogor

Indonesia should carefully think before it decides whether to accept Kosovo's independence or not. If we look at the preamble of the 1945 Constitution then we should accept and support the independence. But I think we should think twice about our national interests before making the decision.
NICK SEBASTIAN
Jakarta

Today Kosovo. What's tomorrow? Aceh? Mindanao? Does occupation by powerful international forces forreasons mean the future eventually leads to breaking up states? This is a dangerous precedent for world security.
ALEXEY
Jakarta

It's unavoidableindependence is every nation's right. But the most important question is how to manage the nation after independence is declared. We do hope Kosovo's independence declaration is not just an emotional decision.

We can see what happens by looking to our neighbor nation, Timor Leste. Almost six years after its independence declaration, there are still too many problems with security, its economy and many more issues. And the last is the assassination attempts of its leaders. But anyhow, I still want to say congratulations!
KETJENG
Kediri

I wonder if independence is a way of happiness? Why bother to be a part of us, part of something that we can't guarantee. Who do we think we are? A beautiful neighborhood or a mourning family, which one?
ARDININGTIYAS P
Jakarta

I agree with the independence of Kosovo.
A. NGISOM
Solo

 

The fact that the government is still in dilemma over Kosovo's independence is understandable.true that our Constitution supports the independence of every nation. However, we should be aware of the political background to this issue: Is Kosovo politically right, according to UN Charter, or not? Once we make a wrong decision over this issue, our country will face almost the same problem.
ERLIN SITINJAK
Medan

Ha ha. Indonesia desperately wants to support any Muslim independence from Christian rule, but in doing so, exposes its ugly backside to Christian and Hindu independence from its own Muslim rule in its own territories. In fact, Kosovo's independence from Serbia has less legal and/or historical basis than West Papua or Bali saying bye-bye Jakarta. Go on SBY, support Kosovo's independence and show you are not a fraud by allowing the same within the RI.
MARK AUSTIN
Porto area, Portugal

Indonesia and Kosovo are almost the same, both are predominantly Muslim. But why is Indonesia not yet in the position to recognize Kosovo's statehood? Look at the United States, Australia and dozens other countries which have recognized (its independence). I disagree with our Government's wait-and-see or low profile style.
AHMADI
Anyer, Cilegon

What Hikmahanto Juwana said that human rights violation in Papua were just rumors had hurt Papuans and peoples concerned with human rights. How about the murder of Theys Hiyo Eluay? The murder was in fact a human rights violation. If Indonesia truly respects the right of independence of every nation, Indonesia must allow referendum on Papua. Indigenous Papuans have the same right as Kosovons to determine their future.
ELIZA
Jember

Independence is a state of mind! If the Kosovars feel more secure with their new identity then does the World become a better place?
KENNETH CHEN
Jakarta

If Indonesia agrees to Kosovo's independence, then it should do the same for Papua! Don't be a hypocrite!
MAGGIE
Jakarta

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