I

read a story in the local papers here in Brisbane about how, again, people have died trying to get to Australia.  The report said up to 70 asylum seekers were feared dead after a boat sank off Christmas Island.

Indonesia has wiped its hands of responsibility and refuses to negotiate with the incoming political party on how to stop the flow here, thereby contributing to these deaths.

While the Indonesian government says it does not want people being processed on their soil, I put it to you, that if Indonesia assists Australia with processing, it would not only allow the Australian government to stop the flow heading here, but also deter people coming to Indonesia in the first place and Australia could then help with funding the processing of illegal immigrants going to Indonesia.

 This would not only help Australia, but Indonesia as well. Australia would be paying to help Indonesia with its problems.

But political stubbornness and a refusal to negotiate are making this problem big for both of us and costing lives.

 I hope the Indonesian people can be made aware of these deaths so maybe some people will think twice before risking their lives at sea.

And I hope that Indonesian readers will ask their government to consider fixing this problem at the source and address the boat people coming to Indonesia, before it becomes a bigger problem.

 
Ron Ruys
Brisbane