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15/5/2007 16:47
Timor Leste's direction
Timor Leste President-elect Jose Ramos-Horta and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were quick to discuss bilateral issues when Yudhoyono telephoned Ramos-Horta on Friday to congratulate him on being elected Timor Leste's second president. Ramos-Horta has indicated he will make Jakarta his first foreign visit, showing he fully realizes that despite his country's bitter experience under Indonesian occupation for 24 years, Timor Leste has no choice but to concentrate on the future. As close neighbors, Indonesia and Timor Leste must work together for their mutual benefit, no matter how difficult their problems. The AFP quoted Ramos-Horta as saying Saturday the two leaders discussed the introduction of a new system to ease the process of crossing the land border between the two countries, which would help strengthen bilateral trade. The conversation with President Yudhoyono "was also the opportunity to talk about issues of utmost interest for bilateral relations", the news agency quoted the Timor Leste president-elect as saying. Ramos-Horta's determination to step up bilateral relations with Indonesia will receive a boost if and when outgoing president Xanana Gusmao realizes his ambition to become prime minister next month. Although the presidential position is largely ceremonial, in crucial times the president can make substantial decisions. While it is important to bring to justice all those responsible for human rights abuses during the violence in Timor Leste after the 1999 independence referendum, when the Indonesian Military (TNI) was in charge of security in the territory, it is even more important that the two countries focus their attention on building a strong and sustainable relationship in the future, especially when it comes to the economy and social and cultural exchanges. At least for the time being, it seems that Timor Leste needs Indonesia more than Indonesia needs its former province. Indonesia still has no strategic interests in its new neighbor. Also, Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim nation while Timor Leste is predominantly Catholic, which means for the short term it is difficult for many Indonesians to get attached to the tiny state. But one thing is certain, a peaceful and prosperous Timor Leste will benefit Indonesia, especially East Nusa Tenggara and the surrounding provinces. Any political turbulence in the neighboring country also will immediately affect East Nusa Tenggara, as shown last year when tens of thousands of people fled during an armed rebellion against Dili. Indonesia needs to put aside its bitterness as a failed colonial power and look to the future, especially how it can help its former territory. The Indonesian language remains the second most important language in Timor Leste, after Tetum, while Portuguese, which is one of the national languages, is used by less than 5 percent of the some one million population. Jakarta needs to make a social investment to promote Indonesian culture and language in Timor Leste, in order to maintain its influence with future generations. Indonesia has a moral obligation to help the new nation, because it was responsible for the hardships endured by a people who never asked Jakarta to "integrate" them into Indonesia. In the meantime, Timor Leste's success in organizing a democratic and peaceful presidential election deserves praise, although a strong presence by the United Nations was also instrumental to its success. Less than eight years after its bloody separation from Indonesia, the world's youngest nation has again proved to the world that despite its small size, and economic troubles, Timor Leste can maintain its name on the list of the world's democratic nations. There are high expectations that the nation will eventually be able to accelerate economic development with the revenues from oil and gas explorations in the Timor Sea. Ramos-Horta and Gusmao are expected to work hand in hand to build a better future for their people, most of whom still live in poverty. We hope they will prevent Timor Leste from becoming a failed state. We congratulate the new president. It is in the interests of all to see a wealthy and successful Timor Leste. (The Jakarta Post).
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