'Humanitarian aid better than protests'

'Humanitarian aid better than protests'

Amid the mounting antiwar protests, including intentions to raid
non-nationals, wage a holy war -- or jihad, and boycott U.S.
products, the government recently stated that humanitarian
assistance is more urgently needed and as such, is a more
appropriate expression of an antiwar stance and sympathy for war
victims. The Jakarta Post talked to some city residents about
this issue.

Slamet, 30, is a chicken noodle soup vendor who works on Jl.
Radio Dalam, South Jakarta. He resides nearby with his two wives
and three children:

It really touched my heart when I watched a child on TV who
had to have an operation for his serious injuries. I think
children are among those who desperately need humanitarian aid.

So I completely agree with the idea to deliver humanitarian
aid, because the Iraqi people live miserable lives because of the
war. This is much more meaningful than just staging antiwar
rallies without taking any real action.

I don't really know how long the war will last. Above all,
though, I completely disagree with those radical protesters who
would raid non-nationals and boycott U.S. products and interests
in the country.

Such thoughtless actions will only affect our own interests
here, since we depend a lot on foreign products, including those
made in the U.S.

Nelly, 30, is an instructor of an English course in Central
Jakarta. She resides in Cilandak, South Jakarta, with her family:

To tell you the truth, I hate the radical antiwar movement
intimidating foreigners or boycotting U.S. products and
interests. Those protests are completely meaningless, if I may
say so.

I'm Muslim, but I don't like their extreme protests, held in
the name of religion. Religion is not the issue here.

They have certainly misunderstood the concept of a holy war.
The meaning of jihad has a deeper and broader meaning than just a
superficial physical war.

What is the point of taking part in a holy war, while they
oppose wars on the other hand? It's a really stupid idea to
protest the war through physical violence.

Why don't they think in more sensible way, for instance, to
raise funds and collect humanitarian aid packages to be delivered
to the Iraqi people? That kind of help will be much more
sympathetic and above all, that's true to the real meaning of a
holy war. The Iraqi people are in dire need of that sort of
assistance.

I do have to admit, though, that I hate the way America and
its allies attacked a small country like Iraq. Then again, I
don't side with any warring countries.

Well, it's time for all nations to beat the superpower by
means of economic sanctions. I mean that we should choose the
euro rather than the U.S. dollar, and in such ways, America will
be defeated.

Nanang, 21, is a motorcycle taxi, or ojek, driver who picks up
fares around Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta. He lives in
Kebon Melati, Central Jakarta, with his family:

I think the massive rallies protesting the U.S. and its allies
attacking Iraq is in vain. We don't have the power to stop the
superpowers from attacking Iraq.

In addition, I also disagree with waging a jihad -- I heard it
mentioned that many volunteers had registered to take part in the
battlefield in Iraq.

I think it's ridiculous. They don't realize that it's
impossible to fight against the sophisticated missiles of the
allies only by means of bravery and swords. It's simply useless.
However, if those radical protesters keep insisting on going,
just let them go.

It'd be better for them to stay here and think seriously about
how to survive rather than going out to the battlefield. Or, if
we want to help, it is far better for us to raise funds and
attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.