Pak Rizal Sukma (“Sovereignty, diplomacy and national defense”, Sept. 7), I am a Malaysian living in Yogyakarta for 1.5 years now and previously spent another 4 years in Jakarta.
I totally agree with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono that “not every territorial dispute is tied to sovereignty”. I watched his speech with a lot of respect that night, given he has his own
weakness as a leader, knowing very well that his speech would likely be exploited and manipulated by many of his countrymen who have self-interests in the difficult cases that the government has been facing.
Rather than saying that the protests that occurred in Jakarta and other cities were a show of solidarity, the speech was more directed at SBY’s government to maximize the dispute to restore the government’s tarnished image and credibility.
Ask Indonesian brothers and sisters who are crying to find ways to educate their children or pay medical bills. Given the numerous injustices that happen to regular Indonesians, do most of them give a damn on the political maneuvering that is happening right now?
A Greek statesman once said if you can’t protect your own men in your own land, don’t be a fool and try to protect them when they are not in your own land! The small people are suffering because the so-called elite in this country are detached, ignorant or indifferent to the suffering of the people.
Tell us which country in the world that shares border with another country has not had a territorial dispute? You know very well that when countries opt for emotional or uncivilized approaches they are exploiting the issues for the gain of politicians. You also know many countries solve territorial disputes through harmonious and friendly methods.
I don’t believe there will be war because I am confident the leaders of both countries know the consequences. However, in any dispute, words and actions outside reasonable limits will hurt and leave permanent scarring on the others.
I love Indonesia and have more Indonesian friends now than Malaysian friends…that’s why I decided to stay in this country. I even tell my foreign friends who have come here and complained non-stop to go home as every country has its own system and culture.
I believe, Pak Rizal, can contribute by writing a more balanced article or even more truthful articles for the people. After all the people comprise the country. Governments come and go.
I am not writing any criticism about Malaysia because enough has written on that subject and too little written in introspection.
Salau
Yogyakarta
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