Combating terrorism?

The world has condemned the Bali bombings II. Leaders of the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, Australia and the Organization of the Islamic Conference have denounced the deadly indiscriminate bombings as inhuman, barbaric, terrorist acts.

Inside the country, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, the nation's two largest Muslim organizations, also described the bombings as savage, uncivilized and inhuman.

Whatever be the motive, terrorist acts are to be condemned. It is said, that for every terrorist caught or killed, five or more terrorists will show up with fresh ideas and stronger motivation to kill more people. A world ban on terrorism has not been effective to turn the tide.

To prevent terrorism, world leaders on religion should now concertedly impose a ban on terrorism, more effectively, issue an edict on terrorism. Furthermore, governments must organize their citizens to watch for terrorists in their midst and provide considerable rewards for the capture of terrorists.

Let our government start this initiative.

MUHERMAN HARUN, Jakarta