Lee Kuan Yew should clarify his statement

The remarks by Singapore's Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew on terrorists in Indonesia have reverberated around the region and the world. Lee has touched on the most sensitive issue in the world today.

Though the truth of the accusation still needs proof, it is feared that Lee's remarks and The Straits Times' report will give rise to impressions at the regional and global levels that will certainly discredit Indonesia and could, in fact, spoil its image.

Given that we are at the height of antiterrorist emotion and sentiment, Lee's allegation will probably be quickly accepted without critical comment as Lee's reputation and popularity are still high. It is not overreacting, therefore, if Indonesian officials or community leaders urge Lee to clarify his statement. Clarification is required to ensure that objectivity and the truth prevail.

It is still difficult to assess the psychological implications of Lee's statement as regards the configuration of relationships within ASEAN. Making an accusation, especially concerning a sensitive issue, is rarely done in ASEAN internal relations.

The demand for clarification is not an expression of a defensive reaction as the Indonesian nation is also concerned with the eradication of terrorism. Indonesia would appreciate it if Lee could give concrete and comprehensive data on terrorist leaders in this country.

There is an impression abroad that Indonesia is not serious about fighting terrorism merely because Indonesian authorities do not detain suspected persons. Such an assumption has emerged because Malaysia and Singapore have put a number of suspected terrorists in detention.

It would be really unfair if Indonesia were to be put on the spot only because no suspects have been detained as has happened in Malaysia and Singapore. The main problem here is the difficulty in identifying terrorists. Moreover, the Indonesian government is no longer allowed to detain people arbitrarily as such a step is contrary to the principles of democracy. The U.S. and other countries have stated their support for the democratization process in Indonesia, haven't they?

It is urgent for Indonesia to clarify the dilemma facing the authorities so as to avoid misunderstanding. This step is no less important than Lee's clarification of his statement.

-- Kompas, Jakarta