Gelbard's concern<\/p>\n
Islam, as it is understood by its followers, is a religion of
\nrahmatan lil'Alamin, protection and compassion for all. Rahmat
\nmeans guaranteeing that there is a feeling of security and
\ncomfort. That means protecting anyone against fear, including
\nforeigners or Americans who in this context are in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Given this kind of understanding we hope that the threat of
\n\"sweepings\" is merely a temporary outburst of emotion that will
\nnot be translated into action. We even belief that (making) such
\na threat is entirely unnecessary, all the more so since most U.S.
\ncitizens who reside in this country are civilians who are in no
\nway connected with their government.<\/p>\n
On the other hand we also regard (U.S.) Ambassador Robert S.)
\nGelbard's fears and disappointment as excessive. After all, up to
\nthis moment we haven't heard of any (actual) sweepings of
\nAmericans in this country. This is all the more true if that
\n(statement of) disappointment is also meant as a threat that
\ncould have long-term effects that are detrimental to the
\ninterests of both.<\/p>\n
As for the police, it is part of their duty to safeguard and
\nprotect foreigners. We only hope that they won't be excessive in
\ntheir actions and panic. The various demonstrations that we now
\nsee must be regarded as part of our efforts to augment democracy
\nand establish a civil society.<\/p>\n
Even more important than this is how the police means to
\nsafeguard security and order among the public -- its main duty --
\nand how it can anticipate things in order to prevent acts of
\nterrorism from happening -- such as bombings in public places,
\nmalls and shopping centers. It is these occurrences that actually
\ncause unrest in the community, including among foreigners.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gelbards-concern-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }