Imam Samudra, who uses several aliases, was finally arrested

Imam Samudra, who uses several aliases, was finally arrested last week by police after being a fugitive since August. Imam, 32, is suspected of instigating the Bali bombings and several other attacks in the country.

Imam was not as talkative as Amrozi, the first Bali bomb suspect arrested by police, in front of the investigators. But their confessions had a horrid similarity: No regret for allegedly murdering almost 200 innocent people. The suicide bomb attack, which Imam reportedly said was carried out by a man identified as Iqbal, is another mode of terrorism in the country.

Islam prohibits any actions leading to suicide.

The bombers destroyed night establishments where foreign tourists enjoyed their leisure time and local people worked to make ends meet. However, both Amrozi and Imam coldly said they destroyed the targets in the name of jihad.

Their statements could be like a slap in the face for the real jihad commander, the late Sultan Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, the prominent Islamic hero during the Crusades. He had a reputation for discipline and civility. He prohibited the killing of his enemies' children and wives, even their cattle and pets. Enemies who surrendered were set free.

The fragrance of Islam -- as spread by Sultan Salahuddin al- Ayyubi -- has been ravaged by terrorists, who claim to be acting in the name of Islam, like the Bali bomb suspects.

It is therefore the obvious obligation of Muslims to understand their religion as a mercy for the universe to fight terrorism. Sultan Salahuddin al-Ayyubi taught that terror must not be countered by terror.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta

Raids on prostitutes

Authorities have raided some nightspots and other places frequented by prostitutes awaiting custom.

Some women tried to escape the raids and were chased by the officers, while other women, believed to be prostitutes, were herded onto a truck. The scenes were familiar to TV watchers before and during the fasting month of Ramadhan.

The purpose of the raids was to minimize or control gambling, the (illegal) sale of liquor and prostitution to create a more conducive climate during the fasting month. It is a noble move. But criticism should be aimed at the authorities executing the raids, the government, nightspot owners and the people.

Social problems need a comprehensive and consistent commitment and critical understanding.

We support the raids on prostitutes but all actions must be based on vision, attitude and comprehensive policies. It is disturbing to read or to watch (on TV) women plunging into a river to escape the authorities. We get the impression that there is no clear plan of action to deal with the problem after the raids have been conducted.

-- Kompas, Jakarta