Indonesia and terrorism

Indonesia and terrorism

From Warta Kota

Indonesia is worsening after several years of economic crisis. Since the United States declared a war against terrorists, Indonesia has seemingly become a hidden target of the U.S. Of course the U.S. is not openly eying Indonesia. However, the news and opinions that have got around show that the U.S. continues to eye Indonesia, the biggest country in the Southeast Asian region.

The U.S. is engaged in a political game. It may not openly point an accusing finger at Indonesia but its hands continue to wage a guerrilla war against Indonesia through the mouths of its friends in Southeast Asia. After an allegation that members of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda are on the lose in Indonesia, one that has never been proven, there is a statement from Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew that Indonesia is harboring terrorists.

Strangely, our state officials have never challenged Lee Kuan Yew to prove his statement, which I think is a great insult to the Indonesian people. Our people have reacted to this statement by staging protest rallies in defense of their dignity but the government has called on them not to be emotional. This is really weird. Our government, which is the subject of humiliation, has instead shown its inferiority complex.

In the future, perhaps, more Indonesians will be arrested in neighboring countries for anything related to terrorism. I think there is a political movement to lead to an assumption that Indonesia is really a den of terrorists. Unfortunately, other member-countries of ASEAN have joined in to launch attacks on Indonesia.

FARID ZAMANI

Jakarta