No more suspicions

No more suspicions

From Koran Tempo

The recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated Aceh and
claimed hundreds of thousands of human lives have aroused great
national concern and deep international sympathy, shown by many
countries that have provided aid to relieve the victims'
suffering.

However, in the case of foreign assistance, many circles at
home are suspicious that the presence of thousands of soldiers
indicates a likely political agenda.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, when inspecting the Air
Force relief command for Aceh and North Sumatra at Halim
Perdanakusuma airport, Jakarta, said the nation should not
suspect the soldiers of friendly countries undertaking
humanitarian missions in Aceh to assist in rehabilitation.

Some media have even reported that nations in Europe and other
parts of the globe recently observed several minutes' silence in
honor of the dead in Aceh, North Sumatra and other affected
countries. This certainly reflects the world community's sense of
solidarity.

Therefore, we should also develop an attitude of mutual trust
while reducing and dispelling prejudice and suspicion. As
Indonesians, we should not be left behind in our move to provide
every possible aid.

JENIFER W.
Jakarta