Friends indeed
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.