Death of a terrorist: Any apology?

Death of a terrorist: Any apology?

From Kompas

The death of a terrorist leader in the recent police raid in Batu, East Java, has brought relief and at the same time regret to most people. As he was not seized alive, no information can be extracted from him, apart from tracing pieces of evidence left behind.

Is it a coincidence that Dr Azahari (killed in Batu) and Noordin M. Top (still wanted) are Malaysian citizens? Why have Indonesians been victimized as suicide bombers? Why were the bombs following the first Bali bombings directed at local people (instead of Westerners)?

Why have Malaysians waged their jihad in Indonesia? A larger number of aliens can be found in Malaysia and it is easier to target them there. The Azahari-Noordin group is funded from Malaysia and its sponsor has been arrested and leniently punished in Malaysia.

This issue can be viewed from the perspective of the party most interested in the disruption of tourism in Indonesia. In fact, Malaysia has for a long time promoted its tourism to compete against Bali. It has also secured Sipadan and Ligitan islands for tourism, though has not been so persistent in demanding Ambalat Island.

As Indonesian citizens we should not be easily pitted against each other by acting as suicide bombers. Azahari's documents have shown further targets in East Java's cities of Tulungagung, Trenggalek and Ponorogo, far from the aim of struggle once claimed by the group.

Without ignoring the importance of living with other countries as good neighbors, we should be alert against foreign forces attempting by various means to create chaos in our country. Meanwhile, has Malaysia apologized for the bomb attacks launched by its citizens in Indonesia? Is it too late to do so?

It would have been wise to do so before requesting the delivery of Azahari's body to Malaysia. If the apology is never offered, our nation will indeed be hurt.

ENDRO SUKATWOKO Bogor, West Java