RI should not use reactive nationalism against Malaysia : observer - Antara

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Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A socio-economic observer has warned Indonesian people not to be trapped in what he called "reactive nationalism" or "suicidal nationalism" in responding to the various provocations by Malaysia.

"What we need in facing Malaysia is common-sense nationalism," Fajroel Rachman, chairman of the non-governmental organization "Pedoman Indonesia" said here Monday commenting on the neighboring country`s provocations against Indonesia ranging from making claims on Indonesian arts and culture to persecution of Indonesian migrant workers (TKI).

According to Rachman, the preferred way to settle the problem with Malaysia should be negotiations.

Therefore, Rachman expressed disagreement if the Indonesian people later take emotional or provocative steps let alone armed actions under the once-popular slogan of "Crush Malaysia".

He stressed that the government should immediately form a special team to be led directly by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Foreign Minister acting as chairman and assisted by legal team, artists and cultural experts.

In the meantime, about the Indonesian migrant workers who experienced the persecution in Malaysia, Rachman said, it should be delegated to the Malaysian courts, but the Indonesia Embassy in Kuala Lumpur must also provide physical protection and law to the migrant workers.

Fadjroel further said that Malaysia is only a small and monarchic country that is not too concerned about human right issues, while Indonesia is a large and democratic country.

"If Indonesia is well managed, then our competitors are only China, India and Brazil, not Malaysia. So, do not be trapped," he added.

In the meantime, the Indonesian minister of culture and tourism Jero Wacik said on Thursday (Aug.27) that Malaysia had offered an apology over the "Pendet" traditional dance controversy.

"Just now in the afternoon the Malaysian minister of tourism called me to offer an apology over the Pendet case," he said.

The minister said the apology was offered in connection with the depiction without permit of a Balinese "Pendet" welcome dance in the Enigmatic Malaysia tourism advertisement program broadcast in the Discovery Channel.

He admitted that the apology was offered verbally but he hoped an official reply would be given by the Malaysian government to the Indonesian government following its complaint over the issue submitted recently.(*)

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