An attack on common decency

An attack on common decency

A terrorist attack has been carried out on the diplomatic mission of a peaceful nation. To Australia's shame, we are the host of that mission, the Indonesian embassy in Canberra.

It will not help Corby in her attempt to have the verdict overturned.

The attack is only the latest and worst episode in a wave of antipathy towards Indonesia which has swept this country since the Corby verdict. Worst have been reports that donors to the tsunami relief effort have demanded their money back. All of this anger is misplaced.

Much of it has shown Australia and Australians in a very poor light - boorish, ill-informed, often racist. To judge from the irrational outrage at the verdict, it appears Australians believe themselves superior to their neighbours and entitled without question to favourable treatment. Not surprisingly, the reaction in Indonesia to this outburst has been strong and critical.

There is hope that despite the attack's potential for damage, at the political level at least, it will not place in jeopardy this hard-won goodwill. It is at the popular level that damage -- serious damage -- is now being done to the relationship. It is there that our political leaders must direct their attention in coming days. -- The Sydney Morning Herald.