Indonesia wants in on Timor Gap talks

House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung says Indonesia should be involved in talks on the Timor Gap.

"Talks on the Timor Gap should not involve two countries only, East Timor and Australia," Akbar said on Thursday after receiving East Timor president-elect Xanana Gusmao at his office. He stressed that part of the Timor Gap belongs to Indonesia. "As such, the exploration of natural resources in the gap should also involve Indonesia," he said.

Inter-parliamentary Cooperation Body House Chairman Sabam Sirait agreed, noting that Akbar pointed out that the Timor Gap is actually closer to Indonesian West Timor than to East Timor. He said it would not be right to tap the natural resources in the Timor Gap just for the benefit of East Timor and Australia alone.

"Indonesia should also enjoy the benefits of the Timor Gap because it covers the territories of East Timor and West Timor," said Sirait, who is also a politician with the Indonesian Democratic Party-Struggle. He said the House has discussed Indonesia's share of the Timor Gap with various parties, including the Australian parliament and the United Nations.

Gusmao has reportedly admitted that it is impossible not to involve Indonesia in talks on the Timor Gap. He noted that such a commitment has been communicated to the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

For his part, Gusmao issued a call for the promotion of good relations between East Timor and Indonesia. He pointed out that the two countries have close relations, historically as well as geographically.

In response, Akbar said the House will warmly welcome the promotion of such good relations because "Indonesia and East Timor have common interests in the future".(*)