Jakartans undeterred by bomb blasts

Jakartans undeterred by bomb blasts

The planting of four bombs outside three entertainment centers in
Jakarta on Sunday -- two of which exploded injuring five people
-- has sparked fears among residents that they could be the next
casualties. Some of them, who were undeterred by the incident,
shared their concerns with The Jakarta Post. They realize that
life must go on although the police have failed to reveal
suspects in previous bombings in the past.

Ferry Irawan, 27, an employee of a state-owned company on Jl.
Salemba, Central Jakarta.

"Bombing cases? I think Jakartans have already gotten used to
it as it has happened here several times. Everybody, including
me, must feel threatened by the incident.

However, life goes on although only a few of the bombing cases
were unveiled by the police. I couldn't just stay at home as I
have many activities to do.

I will never know if I'll become a victim of a bomb explosion
in the future. I don't expect it but anyhow it could happen to
me. No one can predict it and I don't trust the police.

I'm very alert about the issue. My car insurance covers riot
and bombing claims. It's probably too much, but I consider it a
protection."

Dewi Sianipar, 40, a shop owner at the International Trade Center
(ITC) Mangga Dua, West Jakarta. She lives in the Green Ville
housing complex on Jl. Tanjung Duren Baru, West Jakarta.

Of course I'm always afraid that such a bomb explosion will
take place at my shop some time. The government has not worked
well in improving security conditions in our country. Security is
very important for small-scale businessperson like me.

I also do not know why the police do nothing to end this
problem.

I hope such an insecure condition will end soon to enable me
do business in a normal way without any fears of bomb explosions
and other violent acts.

However, I'm not very optimistic as it seems the government
and other leaders have no strong intention to resolve the
problems. What we can do is pray to God, hoping that all problems
will be solved soon."

Sun Cay, was born in Jakarta 30 years ago. He runs two
cellular phone outlets; one is in ITC Roxy Mas and another is in
ITC Cempaka Mas, both in Central Jakarta.

"Surely, the bomb explosion affects my sense of security as
well as my business. On Sunday, the market was too bleak which
made me unable to sell even a single cellphone.

The bomb blast has worsened the already-sluggish business amid
the 2002 soccer World Cup fever which has people glued to their
television sets. I don't know how long the impact will last.

But, like most of the vendors here, I will have to open my
outlets to serve our regular customers. Besides, the building
management have promised to increase the security."

Fadly, 35, an employee at the Agency for the Assessment and
Application of Technology (BPPT) on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central
Jakarta:

"The latest bomb explosion at the Exotis discotheque did not
really effect me. My friends did not pay serious attention to the
matter either.

I don't know why the issue did not really attract our
attention. Perhaps it's because there were no lives claimed at
the accident or because we don't really care since we never go to
discotheques.

Although one bomb was found at the Sarinah shopping center
parking lot, which is quite close to my office, it didn't even
scare us. Have we lost our sensitivity? I don't know.

I think the bombs might relate to the current political
struggle among the elite." -- JP