Dear Mr. President Habibie,

We, Taiwanese people give our respect for Indonesian President B. J. Habibie's decision that finally decided to permit the U.N. to send armed peacekeepers into East Timor to help restore social order there. Although Habibie's decision was the result of international pressure, the decision does not diminish Indonesia's national dignity and is an important indication that Indonesia is moving towards becoming a mature, modern country.

Since last August, when it became clear that East Timor would vote for independence by referendum, the pro-Jakarta militias --- with the tacit support of the Indonesia military --- began a bloody reign of terror. The militia's purpose was to spread fear and trigger the re-imposition of martial law in East Timor. They also sought to void the results of the referendum. The Indonesian government opposed a proposed U.N. peacekeeping mission for East Timor, calling the situation an "internal problem." But the cruel reality is that the Indonesian military holds the power in East Timor and is in fact controlling and directing the massacres. The Indonesian civilian government is powerless to rein in some elements in its military. Foreign countries, including America, have all voiced support for a U.N. peacekeeping force.

President Habibie's decision may be challenged and he may face pressure from within the Indonesian military and from conservative elements in the future, but Indonesians should understand that self-determination is a basic human right. When people's basic human rights and even the right to life are under threat, it is more than an internal issue of an individual country. It is a concern of the international community and a responsibility of the international community. Therefore, Habibie's decision reflects Indonesia's respect to East Timor's right to self-determination. It also symbolizes a change in Indonesia's traditional attitude --- an attitude possessed by many Asian countries. This traditional attitude asserts that possession of territory is the equivalent of sovereignty and people are a kind of private property, and considers these concepts to be divine writ and indivisible. Given this move away from this traditional attitude, the Indonesians are able to go along with Habibie's decision and accept the results of the referendum with the rational attitude of a modern country. They are able to respect human rights and move to avoid more tragedy. Therefore, allowing the international community to help deal with the East Timor crisis will not make Indonesia lose face. It will win more respect for Indonesia.

For a better future, the leaders of Indonesia and East Timor should encourage their peoples to renounce their hatreds. Since they are destined to live as neighbors, they should cooperate instead of fighting against each other, they should aid and support each other. This would contribute to the peace and prosperity of Asia and the world.

One virtue practiced to the uttermost produces wonders. But backing its opposite virtue carries the back with it and prepares for a swing of the pendulum. It can even have the effect of vice. We are all thinking that President B. J. Habibie having done the best.