'Poverty can lead to acts of evil'

The Bali tragedy last week that killed more than 180 people has confirmed the once-denied fact that terrorists are right in front of our eyes. Some residents shared their views about the presence of terrorists in the country with The Jakarta Post.

Hendra, 19, has been working as an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Palmerah, West Jakarta, for four months. The native Jakartan lives in Palmerah with his parents:

I'm quite sure that there are terrorists in the country, especially in the city. Many bombing incidents have already happened here.

I think terrorists have freely conducted their activities here because of the country's economic condition. I mean many people find life tough and earn little money. Such poverty can lead to evil actions.

I can cite my own experience. Someone once recruited me as a member of a certain political party. He promised to pay me a monthly allowance of as much as Rp 750,000 if I could gather supporters. I did it but not for long because there were too many political overtones and I was fed up with that.

Ayik, 32, works in an advertising company in Manggarai, South Jakarta. He resides in Tigaraksa, Tangerang, with his two children and wife:

I believe that terrorists exist in the city here and now.

The terrorists clearly aim at destroying us by linking the incident with religion. And, I regret that our people are easily provoked by issues like that.

I myself would feel a bit scared if anything happened in Jakarta, because I have to commute every day to the city.

However, I'm not sure that the law enforcers can uncover the perpetrators of such incidents, especially the Bali blasts last Saturday.

Slamet, 30, is a sidewalk food vendor in Cipulir, Tangerang. He lives with his daughter and wife in Cipulir:

I don't believe that any terrorist network exists here in the city. As far as I know, such a network needs professional skills and huge funding. I wonder whether the terrorists here, if there are any, have that kind of money.

In my opinion, the bombing incidents and other kind of terror attacks that have happened in the country so far are the work of a certain group or disenchanted or alienated people, or military deserters.

We cannot deny the fact that many military deserters are known to be potential terrorists and criminals.

On the other hand, I do not believe that the police or military can uncover the masterminds behind the blasts. They have been unable to uncover even minor cases, so how could they cope with much bigger ones, like the Bali blasts for instance? -- No way.

-- Leo Wahyudi S