Don't defame Indonesia

For the time being, we can only hope that some clarification about the arrest of Indonesians charged with terrorism in the Philippines will soon be forthcoming. They are accused of possessing items that could be assembled into a bomb. One of the suspects, Fathurrohan Al Ghozy, allegedly planned to bomb various U.S interests.

We cannot simply deny the claims of the Philippine government concerning the suspects without first obtaining incontestable evidence. However, the information concerning Tamsil and his two fellow suspects is unclear.

If they are found guilty, so be it. But if the facts show that they are innocent and have been caught up in some sort of dark game being played merely for the sake of a country's prestige, the Indonesian government must defend them.

We must be aware of the likelihood that attempts will be made to brand Indonesia as a den of terrorists, and the various schemes that may be resorted to in order to lend legitimacy to this allegation.

Therefore, we must remain vigilant and not allow the Republic to be taken hostage by interests that will harm us at the international level. We, therefore, should play an active role in crushing terrorism, which all Muslims condemn.

Yet, we cannot ignore efforts obviously intended to defame Indonesia, by accusing it of being a willing home to terrorists. This will paint all of the country's Muslim citizens as potential terrorists who deserve arrest.

-- Republika, Jakarta