'A republic of terrorists?'
The bombing of the JW Marriot Hotel in Jakarta, should qualify Indonesia for inclusion in the Guiness Book of Records, as the republic with the largest number of terrorists.
In the first half of 2003 at least four bombs exploded at the National Police headquarters, the Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the House of Representatives building and most recently the JW Marriot hotel. But other than condemnation of the inhuman terrorist action the government has ignored the issue. Meanwhile, Bali bombing defendant Imam Samudra has displayed his conceit and convict Amrozi joked his way through court sessions.
The government has meekly responded to small terrorist groups acting in the name of Islam. These are obviously heretic sects because Islam doesn't promote terrorist actions, nor does it demand the killing of innocents. In the New Order period these groups were not able to prosper.
A group of uniformly dressed men in white robes and turbans used to rampage throughout entertainment centers in Jakarta. Also, armed militias frequented Ambon to commit acts of terror. Another group in East Java felled trees alongside main roads two years ago. Now candidates for the posts of regent and governor mobilize the masses to intimidate councillors and political parties have "troops" to force their own way. All these acts are instigated to create terror -- directly or indirectly.
The time has come for Indonesia to use an internal security act (ISA) like that of Singapore, Malaysia and other advanced countries. Under ISA, an individual or group disturbing the internal stability can be arrested and jailed without a judicial process.
If human rights activists are indignant, just take them to Aceh to see the mass graves arising from the brutality of separatists. Take them to Bali to take care of the victims of last year's bombings. Or tell them to raise the three children of the widow of Jainudin. Her husband was the JW Marriot hotel's security guard, killed in the recent bombing.
SULFAN HIDAYAT Pasuruan, East Java