'Boycotting U.S. products could boomerang'

In response to the U.S.-led attack on Iraq that began last week, some people have intimidated foreigners in the capital to express their opposition to the war. Others opposed to the war have called for a boycott of U.S. products. The Jakarta Post discussed the issue with a number of residents who work for foreign-owned companies.

Anton, 42, is an assistant manager at a foreign-owned supermarket in South Jakarta. He lives in Tangerang, Banten, with his wife and son:

Intimidating foreigners and boycotting products and foreign interests goes too far. The foreigners or expatriates here in the country have nothing to do with the war, even if it is their countries waging the war.

The radical protesters don't have any sense, I guess. They don't know that boycotting U.S. products and interests will only boomerang on everyone here.

They don't see that their actions will create a new wave of unemployment. I'm not sure these protesters have much concern for humanity.

It the boycott happened, I imagine there would be much more crime in the country as the unemployed did everything they could to survive.

Yusup, 30, has been employed as a social worker for almost two years at an institution in Central Jakarta. He lives in Kramat, Central Jakarta:

I completely disagree with the radical groups expressing their opposition by harassing expatriates.

I am afraid that there are vested interests behind their protests. There could be some political or religious motives. Maybe they are just trying to use the situation to promote themselves.

I also wonder whether these radical protesters are really concerned with humanity. Boycotts and intimidation are not about humanitarian concerns. Worse, boycotting products and foreign interests in Indonesia will severely affect our economy.

I would say that the protests should be more appropriate. Like protests by interfaith leaders, which could be followed up on by the government. These kinds of civilized protests will find a more sympathetic audience.

I believe that there is still hope, despite the fact that right now all doors seem closed. I'm of the opinion that we must keep working to find a resolution.

Cahyo, 33, is an employee at a private company in Tomang, West Jakarta. He lives in Pamulang, Tangerang, with his wife and daughter:

Harassing expatriates in our country is completely wrong. These foreigners are innocent, and many of them also oppose the war. The governments of the warring countries are at fault, not their citizens.

Besides, protesters here do not have the right to intimidate foreigners.

They don't think about the consequences of their actions, especially to future bilateral ties. Worse, the tourist industry will suffer even more because not many foreign tourists will be willing to come to Indonesia.

In terms of the economy, many foreign investors will pull out of the country if they feel threatened. The same thing will happen if radical groups boycott foreign products and interests here. And our country depends on imported products.

Worse, as a marketing employee, I would feel the impact of the protests because most of my targets are foreign companies.

-- Leo Wahyudi S