Friends indeed<\/p>\n
It is heartwarming, comforting and a relief to see the
\noutpouring of international support that has been directed
\nIndonesia's way in the wake of last weekend's Bali bombings. Once
\nagain, the international community has come to Indonesia's side
\nto show compassion to a country faced with great calamity.<\/p>\n
Just over a year ago there was an unprecedented outpouring of
\npublic sympathy in the wake of the Dec. 26 tsunami. Now we are
\nagain seeing the kind of solidarity that make these disparate
\nnation states a community of nations.<\/p>\n
Those who were able have contributed assistance and expertise.
\nIt would not be fair to name but a few here, but, as an example,
\nneighbors and friends have contributed medical aid while others
\nhave offered more specific expertise, such as victim
\nidentification experts.<\/p>\n
The global sense of abomination toward the terrorists is
\nreflected in various editorials throughout the world that have
\ncondemned their actions and provided uplifting words of support.<\/p>\n
It is this very spirit of cooperation, assistance and mutual
\nunderstanding that needs to be cultivated further. This is not an
\nIndonesia-specific problem. The solutions can only be found if
\ntogether all nations in the region tackle the root causes of
\nextremism, and pool their efforts to fight terrorism.<\/p>\n
Already the cooperation that has been underway in recent years
\nhas proved to be of significant value. Workshops and training for
\nlocal hospital personnel held after the 2002 Bali bombings
\nsignificantly improved the response time in providing medical
\nassistance in the aftermath of last weekend's attacks.<\/p>\n
Officials around the region hurriedly contacted each other and
\nformulated joint plans. All of which shows that the attacks are
\nnot simply considered to be a localized Indonesian problem, but
\none that threatens every sane and decent human being.<\/p>\n
The wars of the future will no longer be \"simple\" wars against
\nnations, but rather wars against evil. An evil that is as
\ndifficult to pin down and contain as mercury in a bowl. Hence,
\nwars without borders.<\/p>\n
All possible assistance should be accorded to countries
\nseeking help through a sustained effort whose motivation must not
\nbe diminished by time. Accelerated and more concrete cooperation
\nthrough organizations like ASEAN should be sought<\/p>\n
Since the 9\/11 attacks, one thing the world has learnt is that
\nperseverance, determination and a commitment to idealism
\nare decisive elements in determining the outcome of the war on
\nterror:<\/p>\n
Perseverance to engage in a war of attrition spanning an
\nextended period.<\/p>\n
Determination to remain vigilant even when the threat looks
\ndistant. Experience has show us that it is during the very times
\nwhen the danger seems most unlikely that the terrorists strike.<\/p>\n
Our conduct in the war against terrorism must also be
\nsensitive to the fundamental values of democracy and civil rights
\nthat we are trying to defend. The end should not justify the
\nmeans. Shortcuts that permit violations of civil rights are
\nunacceptable, even under the guise of bringing the terrorists to
\njustice.<\/p>\n
There can be no justice when the means used to uphold it are
\nunjustifiable.<\/p>\n
These three elements must always be kept at the forefront of
\nour minds.<\/p>\n
America's mistakes are ones that Indonesia should not repeat
\nin its war against terrorism, and constitute follies that we hope
\nour neighbors will also eschew.<\/p>\n
We thank our friends for all they have done, and what they
\nwill do in the future. We thank God for giving us the strength to
\nprevail and realize that only through wisdom, not brash
\nrighteousness, will we win over the misguided minds of tomorrow's
\nwould-be terrorists.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/friends-indeed-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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