An act of terror

An act of terror

The perpetrators of Tuesday's bomb attack on the Philippine
ambassador's residence have shown a certain finesse in the timing
of their act and target of their attack. However, whoever they
are and whatever their motive, any acts of terror must be
condemned. Terror is a cowardly act perpetrated by cold-blooded
people.

From the timing and the location of the bombing, a conclusion
can be drawn that the attack was part of a political agenda.
Among the victims were people who knew nothing about politics and
had no interest in politics. The biggest victim, however, is this
nation. The blast has helped validate Indonesia's current
reputation as a wild and barbaric country.

As we convey our condolences to the families of the victims
and condemn the perpetrators of the attack, we remind the
government of President Abdurrahman Wahid of its duty to maintain
security and order. The continuing acts of terror and the fact
that perpetrators of such acts have never been caught have eroded
the credibility of the government, and especially that of the
security apparatus.

It would, therefore, be appropriate for the upcoming Annual
Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to evaluate
the performance of the 10-month-old administration of Abdurrahman
Wahid.

-- Republika, Jakarta