Don't defame Indonesia

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