'Causing fear what terrorists want'

Following Tuesday's blast at the JW Marriott Hotel, which claimed at least 11 lives, the government and all its security officers began to beef up security in public places in an attempt to prevent more bombings.

However, such measures could inconvenience people visiting such places even though it is aimed at providing more safety for them. The Jakarta Post talked to several people about their feelings after the Marriott bombing and possible terror acts in the city.

Laila, 29, is an employee with a private company in West Jakarta. She lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with her family:

Honestly speaking, I don't worry too much about the possibility of more bombings, although there was that one at the Marriott a few days ago.

If I worry too much or fear that threat too often, I won't be able to enjoy my life.

I believe that living in such fear will only please the terrorists. That's their purpose, right?

I don't wanna become paranoid. Death could come at anytime and anyplace. We don't know it, only God does.

I hope other people won't bow to the fear spread by the terrorists. If we do, they win, and their evil deeds are rewarded, and they are encouraged to do more.

However, it doesn't mean that I won't take any precaution. I'll be more selective in going to shopping centers.

I won't spend too much time, like before, to hang around in shopping malls if it's not necessary.

Lilik, 36, is a housewife who formerly worked as a shop attendant in South Jakarta. She lives in Tangerang with her husband:

Of course, I worry very much about the bomb threat. Those terrorists killed many innocent people. I don't want to be on the next casualty list.

I will avoid going to shopping malls which are usually overflowing with middle-income people and foreigners. I'm sure the terrorists will target such a place next.

The bombing incidents usually take place in upmarket shopping malls, hotels or other first-class public places.

Instead, I will go to local shopping centers that cater to low-income people. It will be safer and more pleasurable for me due to the less strict security checks, and anyway, I belong to that class.

Above all, I will minimize visiting public places for the time being because I live in fear of the next terror acts.

Prima, 32, is an employee with a foundation in Salemba, Central Jakarta. She lives nearby with her friends:

Frankly, I'm not so worried, although the Marriott tragedy killed many people.

Sometimes I just don't understand why I never feel afraid of such terror acts in the capital. Maybe it's because such crimes are far from the places that I go to. It would be a different story if it happened at places that I frequent.

Bomb threats have become very common for Jakartans, right? It no longer seems surprising and there's nothing to be afraid of.

As for me, I will continue going to public places if I want to. I believe that life and death are in God's hands.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.