'Poverty can lead to acts of evil'

'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