'Humanitarian aid better than protests'<\/p>\n
Amid the mounting antiwar protests, including intentions to raid
\nnon-nationals, wage a holy war -- or jihad, and boycott U.S.
\nproducts, the government recently stated that humanitarian
\nassistance is more urgently needed and as such, is a more
\nappropriate expression of an antiwar stance and sympathy for war
\nvictims. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about
\nthis issue.<\/p>\n
Slamet, 30, is a chicken noodle soup vendor who works on Jl.
\nRadio Dalam, South Jakarta. He resides nearby with his two wives
\nand three children:<\/p>\n
It really touched my heart when I watched a child on TV who
\nhad to have an operation for his serious injuries. I think
\nchildren are among those who desperately need humanitarian aid.<\/p>\n
So I completely agree with the idea to deliver humanitarian
\naid, because the Iraqi people live miserable lives because of the
\nwar. This is much more meaningful than just staging antiwar
\nrallies without taking any real action.<\/p>\n
I don't really know how long the war will last. Above all,
\nthough, I completely disagree with those radical protesters who
\nwould raid non-nationals and boycott U.S. products and interests
\nin the country.<\/p>\n
Such thoughtless actions will only affect our own interests
\nhere, since we depend a lot on foreign products, including those
\nmade in the U.S.<\/p>\n
Nelly, 30, is an instructor of an English course in Central
\nJakarta. She resides in Cilandak, South Jakarta, with her family:<\/p>\n
To tell you the truth, I hate the radical antiwar movement
\nintimidating foreigners or boycotting U.S. products and
\ninterests. Those protests are completely meaningless, if I may
\nsay so.<\/p>\n
I'm Muslim, but I don't like their extreme protests, held in
\nthe name of religion. Religion is not the issue here.<\/p>\n
They have certainly misunderstood the concept of a holy war.
\nThe meaning of jihad has a deeper and broader meaning than just a
\nsuperficial physical war.<\/p>\n
What is the point of taking part in a holy war, while they
\noppose wars on the other hand? It's a really stupid idea to
\nprotest the war through physical violence.<\/p>\n
Why don't they think in more sensible way, for instance, to
\nraise funds and collect humanitarian aid packages to be delivered
\nto the Iraqi people? That kind of help will be much more
\nsympathetic and above all, that's true to the real meaning of a
\nholy war. The Iraqi people are in dire need of that sort of
\nassistance.<\/p>\n
I do have to admit, though, that I hate the way America and
\nits allies attacked a small country like Iraq. Then again, I
\ndon't side with any warring countries.<\/p>\n
Well, it's time for all nations to beat the superpower by
\nmeans of economic sanctions. I mean that we should choose the
\neuro rather than the U.S. dollar, and in such ways, America will
\nbe defeated.<\/p>\n
Nanang, 21, is a motorcycle taxi, or ojek, driver who picks up
\nfares around Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta. He lives in
\nKebon Melati, Central Jakarta, with his family:<\/p>\n
I think the massive rallies protesting the U.S. and its allies
\nattacking Iraq is in vain. We don't have the power to stop the
\nsuperpowers from attacking Iraq.<\/p>\n
In addition, I also disagree with waging a jihad -- I heard it
\nmentioned that many volunteers had registered to take part in the
\nbattlefield in Iraq.<\/p>\n
I think it's ridiculous. They don't realize that it's
\nimpossible to fight against the sophisticated missiles of the
\nallies only by means of bravery and swords. It's simply useless.
\nHowever, if those radical protesters keep insisting on going,
\njust let them go.<\/p>\n
It'd be better for them to stay here and think seriously about
\nhow to survive rather than going out to the battlefield. Or, if
\nwe want to help, it is far better for us to raise funds and
\nattempt to deliver humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/humanitarian-aid-better-than-protests-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }