Friends indeed
It is heartwarming, comforting and a relief to see the outpouring of international support that has been directed Indonesia's way in the wake of last weekend's Bali bombings. Once again, the international community has come to Indonesia's side to show compassion to a country faced with great calamity.
Just over a year ago there was an unprecedented outpouring of public sympathy in the wake of the Dec. 26 tsunami. Now we are again seeing the kind of solidarity that make these disparate nation states a community of nations.
Those who were able have contributed assistance and expertise. It would not be fair to name but a few here, but, as an example, neighbors and friends have contributed medical aid while others have offered more specific expertise, such as victim identification experts.
The global sense of abomination toward the terrorists is reflected in various editorials throughout the world that have condemned their actions and provided uplifting words of support.
It is this very spirit of cooperation, assistance and mutual understanding that needs to be cultivated further. This is not an Indonesia-specific problem. The solutions can only be found if together all nations in the region tackle the root causes of extremism, and pool their efforts to fight terrorism.
Already the cooperation that has been underway in recent years has proved to be of significant value. Workshops and training for local hospital personnel held after the 2002 Bali bombings significantly improved the response time in providing medical assistance in the aftermath of last weekend's attacks.
Officials around the region hurriedly contacted each other and formulated joint plans. All of which shows that the attacks are not simply considered to be a localized Indonesian problem, but one that threatens every sane and decent human being.
The wars of the future will no longer be "simple" wars against nations, but rather wars against evil. An evil that is as difficult to pin down and contain as mercury in a bowl. Hence, wars without borders.
All possible assistance should be accorded to countries seeking help through a sustained effort whose motivation must not be diminished by time. Accelerated and more concrete cooperation through organizations like ASEAN should be sought
Since the 9/11 attacks, one thing the world has learnt is that perseverance, determination and a commitment to idealism are decisive elements in determining the outcome of the war on terror:
Perseverance to engage in a war of attrition spanning an extended period.
Determination to remain vigilant even when the threat looks distant. Experience has show us that it is during the very times when the danger seems most unlikely that the terrorists strike.
Our conduct in the war against terrorism must also be sensitive to the fundamental values of democracy and civil rights that we are trying to defend. The end should not justify the means. Shortcuts that permit violations of civil rights are unacceptable, even under the guise of bringing the terrorists to justice.
There can be no justice when the means used to uphold it are unjustifiable.
These three elements must always be kept at the forefront of our minds.
America's mistakes are ones that Indonesia should not repeat in its war against terrorism, and constitute follies that we hope our neighbors will also eschew.
We thank our friends for all they have done, and what they will do in the future. We thank God for giving us the strength to prevail and realize that only through wisdom, not brash righteousness, will we win over the misguided minds of tomorrow's would-be terrorists.