Confusing situation

I have never been a member of a political party and have rarely participated in any political activity, except the national general elections. So, I think it is only logical that I become confused when following the present political events and try to understand the "why" behind what is happening.

Islamic hardliners in Indonesia are preparing themselves for action against U.S. citizens and assets. The U.S. was attacked by terrorists without any clear reason and suffered enormous human and material losses.

So, why does Habib Muhammad Rizieq bin Hasan Shihab, supreme commander of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) find it necessary to wage a holy war against the U.S. and name it the biggest terrorist in the world, when in fact the U.S. is currently suffering from terrorism? What did the U.S. do against our religion to justify the attack? If I am not mistaken, U.S. President Bush said clearly that the planned war would not be directed against Islam.

If the reason for the Islamic hardliners to attack the U.S. is based on religion, then why are Islamic countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey supporting the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism? The United Arab Emirates even went a step further and severed diplomatic relations with Taliban Afghanistan, followed by Saudi Arabia. I have mentioned on purpose these Islamic countries because they should logically be the first to condemn the U.S.

Why did this happen? Indonesia is not an Islamic country. According to the 1945 Constitution, it is a state based on Pancasila where freedom of faith and religion is guaranteed by the state.

In the context of violence done in the name of religion, I would like to appeal to the police and other security apparatus to be firm in the implementation of the law. We need actions, not only statements. I am disappointed with what I read in the front page article Police hesitant to act on militants in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 26, 2001.

I also want to appeal for calm to those who are bracing themselves for war with the U.S. They should realize that their actions will only provoke the American public to retaliate against Muslims and Indonesians in the U.S.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta