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