Counterterror agency needed

Counterterror agency needed

It sounds like a myth when one hearkens back to the way the
Dutch, who colonized what is now known as Indonesia for about
three centuries until the end of World War II, used to describe
the population of Indonesia as being the friendliest/most passive
people on earth.

It is shocking to discover that the world is now wondering why
many Indonesians after they gained independence, have become so
"barbaric", resorting easily to violence, preferring to use bombs
to achieve their aims. Worst, why do so many choose to use
terrorist methods to express their dislike of foreign interests
and foreigners living in the country in spite of the fact that
their religious beliefs forbid such sinful murders.

The situation has now become almost unbearable and
uncontrollable, so much so that the government is proposing the
establishment of a team to work on the revision of the existing
anti-terrorism law (no 15/2003), which is now suddenly considered
inadequate to deal effectively, with the spate of bombing
incidents in recent months. The country's economic recovery will
be in danger if the threat of terror prevails. The government
believes that stronger measures should be taken to combat
internal terrorism. The government is now considering the
adoption an Internal Security Act (ISA) a la Singapore and
Malaysia.
However such stern measures are opposed by a number of
legislators and human rights groups, who say it runs
against the spirit of the reform era after the
replacement of the former repressive regime by, supposedly, a
more democratic administration.

Senseless massacres of innocent people does not weigh a bit in
the conscience and minds, let alone hearts, of these men- and
women-cum terrorists. Half measures therefore, will not stop
their heinous practices. Terrorists have no fear or feelings of
remorse. Whatever law is in force it will instill no fear or
respect in them. Therefore, the terror they unleash must be met
with "a counterterror machine" to preempt their crimes. It is the
task of the government agencies to devise a secret professional
organization to spread such "counterterror" and fear amongst
those inclined to accept terror as their way of life. Human
rights considerations should be secondary or put temporarily
aside, in suppressing devilish designs perpetrated by invisible
enemies.

GANDHI SUKARDI
Jakarta