Our Indonesian experts

An article in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 12 mentioned experts who cast doubt on police findings in the Bali blast case.

Reporters Emmy Fitri and Damar Harsanto got their information from an unnamed antiterrorism officer and a chemical expert (unnamed, why so secretive?) who claimed that the police had flunked again in their search for the real criminal.

Sherlock Holmes said the same about Scotland Yard, but at least Sherlock Holmes was investigating out in the field and thus could outsmart the police.

On the other hand, unlike Sherlock Holmes, our so-called "experts" are sitting in their easy chairs, reading their newspapers, and exchanging gossip with their friends, but doing nothing to clarify this horrible crime.

The Post, well known for its intellectual, rational and neutral opinion, has been tempted gradually to join the gossip group. It is a pity.

Let us follow what the police have discovered without giving negative comments. Only when we have found out the real truth ourselves, like Sherlock Holmes, are we entitled to smear the image of the police.

Actually condemning others and spreading gossip around is typical for an underdeveloped country. I think we have to rise above that level now.

SUMARSONO SASTROWARDOYO, Jakarta