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INDONESIA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's move to expedite border talks with Malaysia has received a mixed response from Indonesians.
While many want to see more communications between officials from both sides, others are pessimistic about the outcome of talks.
The address by the Indonesian President on the bilateral ties with Malaysia could not have been better timed.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had spoken of escalating tensions in his Independence Day address on August 31.
In his 30-minute televised address, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Jakarta wants to expedite talks with Kuala Lumpur, over disputed territories.
"The Indonesian government believes the best solution to prevent and overcome similar incidences is to expedite border talks involving Indonesia and Malaysia. These talks cover land and maritime borders, including the areas around the Singapore Straits and the waters around Sulawesi or Ambalat," Yudhoyono said in his address.
Tensions rose in August, after Indonesian authorities arrested Malaysian fishermen in disputed waters near Bintan.
Malaysia in turn arrested three Indonesian maritime officers at the same location.
Tempers soon frayed in Indonesia with groups like Bendera launching attacks on Malaysian embassy.
"I also urge people not to over-react, for example with aggression, because it will only worsen the current problem. Aggression will usually result other forms of aggression," said Yudhoyono.
However, hard line groups like Bendera remain defiant.
Muhtar Venutura, Spokesman of Bendera said," We, the people of Indonesia - in particular Bendera, do no want a repeat of compromises and negotiations which will not change anything."
But other more level-headed Indonesians want to see communications stepped up between officials from both countries.
"There must be agreement and understanding between the two countries not to provoke each other; to overcome every border issue as a family," said Indonesian lawmaker TB Hasanuddin.
Indonesian parliament is expected to continue pressing President Yudhoyono to take a firmer position on the issue.
Officials from both sides are set to meet in Sabah, Malaysia. Jakarta is expected to propose that border negotiations be put on the fast track. - CNA
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