Terrorism and realism<\/p>\n
The articles in The Jakarta Post by Ambassador to the UK
\nJuwono Sudarsono (Nov. 4) and by Minister of Foreign Affairs
\nHassan Wirayuda (Dec. 11) and Coordinating Minister for Political
\nand Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Dec. 12) were a
\nrefreshing reminder that at least some of Indonesia's ministers
\nand senior officials are willing to address vital issues -- in
\nthis case terrorism -- with realism and logic.<\/p>\n
Although I did not agree with everything they wrote, the
\nwriters and the Post deserve congratulations for contributing to
\npublic understanding and debate. Unfortunately, the very
\npublication of the articles caused controversy.<\/p>\n
In regards Sudarsono's article, it was alleged the article
\nshould have been labeled \"personal\", to show it was not
\n\"official\". Actually, Sudarsono had written in the third
\nsentence: \"As an Indonesian Muslim academic turned temporary
\ndiplomat, my tentative answer would be...\". Surely this was a
\nclear enough indication that he was writing in a personal
\ncapacity.<\/p>\n
With regard to Wirayuda, the U.S. Ambassador reportedly said
\nthat criticism of Washington's Iraq policy should not be aired in
\npublic. Considering that U.S. forces have killed thousands of
\nIraqis during their illegal invasion, it seems excessive to
\ncomplain that the Indonesian foreign minister is violating
\ndiplomatic norms by making a truthful speech.<\/p>\n
Coincidentally, just after Wirayuda made his speech, the U.S.
\ngovernment announced it would confine bidding for reconstruction
\ncontracts in Iraq to companies from countries that supported the
\ninvasion. Plainly, the U.S. is forsaking good governance, free
\ntrade and Iraqi welfare to warn countries they will be punished
\neconomically if they refuse to acquiesce in future to U.S.
\ninvasions.<\/p>\n
So it is disturbing that the foreign ministry (in its letter
\nof Dec. 15) regrets the publication of the minister's speech.
\nThey appear to be practicing an updated form of self-censorship
\nto avoid offending President Bush's New World Order.<\/p>\n
When foreign ministry officials say something intelligent and
\nimportant, we do not need a disclaimer implying that they should
\nhave kept quiet. Instead, let everyone recognize that the
\nIndonesian people have a right to know not only the government's
\nforeign policy, but also the ideas that drive it.<\/p>\n
JOHN HARGREAVES
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/terrorism-and-realism-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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