"Indonesia Deems Malaysian Elites Arrogant"
- AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin
VIVAnews - The dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia is becoming more intense following the arrest of three Indonesian officers in the Indonesian waters by Malaysian sea patrol. A mass organization Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat (Bendera), for example, held protests before the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta. They burnt up the Malaysian flag and threw away the 'Jalur Gemilang' flag with dirt. In fact, they planned to raid the Malaysians.
Malaysia responded over the media, as quoted from The Star, saying "How Long Will We Have to Tolerate This?". The statement maker was a group named themselves as 'Frustated Malaysian'.
"Bendera wants to have our citizens' head cut bald and send them home. This is an insult not only for Malaysians, but those Indonesians who are against the violent measure," said Anifah Aman, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono then gave a special instruction to Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Djoko Suyanto, to take immediate actions over the conflict. The two countries will discuss about the issue on September 6, 2010, through the Joint Ministry Conference.
To have the brightest picture over the matter, VIVAnews interviews former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, August 27. Anwar, during the interview, said that the current conflict has been an accumulation of the past discords between the two countries.
The relations between Indonesia and Malaysia are heating up. What is really going on here?
I believe that the tension between the two countries has been taking place for years, which is concerned with cultural issues to matters on migrant workers. Today, it is about borders and marine affairs. I urge the leaders of both countries hold talks to solve the dispute because this problem has involved the masses. This is not good at all. Whatever the tension is, the strategic interests that the countries have cannot be sacrificed.
How do you see the dirt-throwing incident occurred in the Malaysian Embassy?
Both Malaysian and Indonesian people disliked the arrogance. The dirt-throwing was out of one's mind. However, merely expressing one's mind by holding protests is normal in democratic countries.
In Malaysia, protests are prohibited. Those favored by the government can hold protests while those who aren't cannot. It's different [from Indonesia].
It is already public that I have certain views that are siding with Indonesia. Here, [Bendera] thought I enjoy the part. But, in fact, it's no true. I believe that the relations between two countries must go beyond any political interest of a faction.
Unfortunately, the state leaders are a bit slow in handling the issue. That's why the problem is getting worse. This issue should have facts as cross references. Heads of states, deputy heads of states, or high-rank officials must handle the issue. I will always remember these issues on borders and migrant workers. In the past, I maintained direct calls with Pak Habibie concerning those issues.
How do the Malaysians view the conflict?
It is not yet a national issue. But the media put the dirt-throwing as their primary issue although it only involves a small part of Indonesians. I saw in newspapers and TVs that people were against the act. I as Indonesia's true friend have the same thinking. For if the conflict continues, it only benefits the arrogants.
Who do you mean by the arrogants?
Those who despise the good relationship that the two countries have managed to maintain.
Conflicts have been involving the two countries for years. What is exactly the core problem that disturbs Indonesia and Malaysia?
I put emphasis on the migrant worker issue, which is central. The Indonesian migrant workers must be treated well. A political will ought to be built. I know that Indonesians perceive the Malaysian elites as arrogant. The fact is that the situation in Malaysia does any help. Eventually, there are reactions which trigger tensions. It's a long story. But the main point is that the leaders must do something. War is not the solution, but dialog is.
As for mass media, Indonesia applies freedom for the press. Here in Malaysia, the government controls the media. Differences are normal. We must settle everything that can be settled.
What must the people do to act in response to the issue?
I have a different view from those conveyed by the government. My message to the Indonesian people is that they should obey the law. If there are violations, the government must be consistent in responding over them. It is important to show the Indonesians that there are people [in Malaysia] who still love their fellow cultural groups. They have the right to protest, as it is a democratic country. But ethics must be held dear.
This is the statement from someone who has sympathy for Indonesia. Here, whether inside or outside the parliamentary house, Anwar is said as a non-nationalist. I don't care, for I'm a man of consistance. Amidst the UMNO, they say I'm fond of conflicts, that I'm a provocateur. In my opinion, that's a cheap politics.
Is your sympathy toward Indonesia questioned?
Indeed. The ministers, parliamentary members, and the public disputed over my attitude. I represent a view which demands the possibility of more intimate relations between Indonesia and Malaysia. We needed Indonesia more than everything in the past. I still remember a meeting with Pak Harto once.
The humiliation on the Malaysian flag will in fact be made use of by other parties. People will be mostly injured by it, including us, who want Malaysia to be more democratic. They will say, "That's democracy. Democracy is flag burning." Yet, it's not true. Others will be benefited from the situation.
There is a growing speculation that this issue is used as a political means by, for instance, certain political links either in Indonesia or Malaysia to improve their popularities. Is it true?
Interpretation is on the scene. Internally, they deliberately use the issue to make a move. I sense racism is on the way. The issue has been exploited, including the dispute with Indonesia. Nevertheless, I have no clear information on that matter. What I can say is that the UMNO's media has deliberately brings the issue to the surface. But more importantly, the interests of the two countries are far more crucial.
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Translated by: Bonardo Maulana W
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