Indonesia and Malaysia don't seem any friendlier these days over the disputed oil-rich land off of Kalimantan! In the first rounds of talks to move towards a resolution, both sides remained absolutely stubborn that they would not back down.
I predict that (beyond the riches of oil on the island) this is simply one big show of "saving face" for both nations. Neither wants to say it is acting wrongly. Sadly, it may be that violence will end up being the deciding factor on coming to a resolution.
As of Wednesday, Indonesian and Malaysian warships continued their patrols around the disputed blocks. Indonesian Military chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said the military would maintain its presence there while the negotiations were underway.
What's slightly amusing is that more talks are planned for May. Do they honestly hope that the other side will humbly step down? In the meantime, Indonesia will complete a lighthouse it is building on the disputed land. Indonesia claims to have legal rights to the land, but will wait 'til the next round of talks to explain these rights. Indonesia has also politely requested Malaysia to explain its claim to Ambalat.
"Both sides have been very open and straightforward about their respective positions. We asked (Malaysia) about the basis for their argument in determining the borders,"
Wouldn't it seem (to those of us more accustomed with more logic-driven agendas in the public) that the issue of who has the legal claim to Ambalat should be the first subject of the first round of talks?
...Indonesia is in a very interesting time in its history. This is a nation "in transition" that is worth studying and observing, even from a distance, via the Internet.
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