Lee Kuan Yew should clarify his statement

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