Xenophobia thicker than humanity<\/p>\n
On Wednesday morning, a major radio station in Jakarta invited
\nits listeners to comment on the Indonesian Military's (TNI)
\ndecision to restrict the movements of international aid workers
\nand foreign military personnel while in Aceh.<\/p>\n
The answers given by the listeners have likely upset the
\ngovernment, especially the TNI's top brass, because most
\nlisteners were not only opposed to the TNI's decision, but also
\nquestioned the real motives of the TNI. Such a reaction reflects
\nthe high suspicion that remains toward the military, who for
\ndecades were a tool of oppression.<\/p>\n
\"We should not be paranoid about the foreigners, who are very
\nsincere in helping people in Aceh,\" one listener from Central
\nJakarta said.<\/p>\n
It is obviously a good move by the TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono
\nSutarto to say he wants to ensure the safety of some 2,000
\nforeign civilians, who are now working on the humanitarian
\nmission in the tsunami-devastated province.<\/p>\n
As a host, Indonesia is responsible for the security and
\nprotection of the humanitarian workers. Indonesia could not have
\nhandled this unprecedented disaster on its own. The nation needs
\ninternational assistance.<\/p>\n
Although it seems restrictive, the general's decision to
\nrequire the volunteers to be escorted by TNI soldiers during
\ntrips outside of Banda Aceh actually makes sense because there is
\nstill a war going on. With seemingly little fear of the many
\nrisks inherent, the volunteers have come here out of a strong
\nsense of compassion for the suffering victims and have been
\nmotivated to help the Acehnese build a totally new life.<\/p>\n
Foreign military ships and planes are also required to have
\nmilitary liaison officers accompany them and get clearance from
\nthe TNI for all movements. Meanwhile, the government has
\nindicated that the foreign presence would not last more than
\nthree months.<\/p>\n
But, as reflected in the radio talk show, many people doubt
\nthat the restrictive measures are merely aimed at protecting the
\nforeign volunteers.<\/p>\n
TNI generals have admitted they would not have enough
\nresources to handle the relief and rehabilitation alone, and thus
\nneed the foreign help.<\/p>\n
So, why then did Gen. Endriartono make such a controversial
\ndecision, while thousands of guests are now in Aceh to help us?
\nMost of them likely realize the dangers during their humanitarian
\nmission, but still they have come. Why? Because of a sense of
\nhumanity; that is the only answer for their readiness to take a
\nrisk. A risk that may be in the form of armed gunmen, another
\nearthquake aftershock or malaria.<\/p>\n
We should thank the hard-working guests because without their
\nhelp, the suffering of the victims of the natural disaster would
\nbe much worse.<\/p>\n
Despite the radio listeners responses, it has become all too
\nevident from local media reports that there is a growing feeling
\nof xenophobia here, at least in certain parts of society. We
\naccept the foreigners' relief, but at the same time we are
\nsuspicious of them and do not appreciate what they have done.
\nFrom television reports, it has become abundantly clear that the
\nAcehnese have welcomed the foreigners, including American
\nsoldiers. People who live far away from these appreciative
\nvictims still question the foreign presence, while for victims,
\nthey are saviors.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it is ridiculous to say that such behavior also proves
\nthat many of us have no compassion for our brothers and sisters
\nin Aceh, not just when they were oppressed by the government, but
\neven now as they struggle to survive amidst such a horrible
\ncalamity. Many Indonesians are very firm in their opinion that
\nthe government must do everything possible to ensure the
\nintegrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
\n(NKRI), therefore, they also feel that any rebellious acts in
\nAceh must be harshly punished to ensure that the soil of that
\nprovince remains part of the nation state.<\/p>\n
Of course, we also hope the foreign guests realize that they
\nare guests in Aceh, regardless of how much we need their help.
\nGuests are expected to adapt to the conditions of their hosts.<\/p>\n
We do hope that the negative statements, xenophobia and a lack
\nof appreciation shown by some members of society, will not
\ndiscourage our Samaritan friends. We also hope they realize that
\nthe nation needs and truly appreciates their help.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/xenophobia-thicker-than-humanity-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}