The three weeks of fracas is enough. What we regret is that the least the Indonesian government react, the more the street demonstrators misbehave.

If in Malaysia, this group will be put behind bar for quite sometimes already, on security ground. But in Indonesia, there is no action against those excessive provocations on Malaysia.

We are of the view that there are sufficient arguments and statements by both countries, condemning the hate sentiment against Malaysia.

Now, we want the commitment in settling the issue as soon as possible.

There is no need for the two neighbouring countries to go to war on the basis of a very trivial issue such as dance. There is no logic for war to be fought because of pendet dance. It would be different if the bone of contention involves the territorial sovereignty.

It’s not our intention to teach someone but the Indonesian government must manifest its firmness against that group that cried for blood in its Sweep Malaysia operation using sharpened bamboo stick in their attempt to chase away Malaysians from the Indonesian soil.

The problem arise when that small group of demonstrators acted without investigating and getting the correct information. This impasse is emboldened by the free-for-all Indonesian media, that run counter to the journalism ethics.

This situation is also made worst by a small group of politicians who are too keen to exploit issues involving Malaysia.

The demonstrations against Malaysia, actually is nothing new. Whatever issues involving the sovereignty and its people even if twisted, these groups will be the first to be at the gate of the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

At a time when both countries are relentlessly making effort in reconciling their ties, there is a need to look into long term solution so that matters arising from this misunderstanding and exploitation from outside forces, could be avoided.

It is obvious that the entertainment and cultural-related exchange programmes carried out between the two countries, has very little impact.

The success and failure of the programme has a lot to do with the role of the media. As such there is truth in what protem chairman of the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Friendship Alliance or Ikatan Setia Kawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWMI), Malaysian branch, Datuk Ahmad A. Talib, had said. He advised the Indonesian media practitioners to uphold the sense of fair play in their coverages. They should see the Malaysian-Indonesian relationship in a broader context.

Besides the media, other form of communication between the younger generation of the two countries must be worked out so that they could be the economic and cultural purveyors that led to the formation of Indonesia-Malaysia Strategic Centre (IMSC) which will operate after Aidil Fitri.

Based on past experience of street demonstrations due to petty issues, the Indonesian government should stop it much earlier before the fire of hatred spread to burn others.