Preventing Australia-Indonesia tension post the Sept. 9 blast

Begi Hersutanto, Jakarta

The bombing at the Australian Embassy on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, was horrific, to say the least. Following the terrorist attack, the embassy has allowed any staff who so choose to return to Australia for security reasons, while the embassy will be closed until further notice (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 10).

The immediate repatriation of Australians diplomats at the embassy is understandable, considering the fear of another possible attack against them. In such a situation, no one could function normally or tend to their daily lives.

The current situation requires everyone, including the peoples of the two nations, their governments and media, to think clearly and wisely. In this regard, emotional statements, rash policies or any sensitive information have the potential to trigger an escalation in tension between Indonesia and Australia.

A few minutes after the blast, a local electronic media broadcast a report that an attempt to gather Indonesian nationals and process them for extradition was under way in Australia.

Broadcasting such information without first verifying or confirming it was imprudent and unethical. First of all, it might heighten negative sentiments among the people in the country against Australians living here. Second, "extradition" is a legal term that has been misapplied in this situation.

The worst-case scenario of the impact of such false broadcasting is a rise in negative sentiment toward Australians, which triggers a retaliatory sentiment in kind against Indonesians in Australia, finally causing the rise of unnecessary tension between the neighboring countries.

This hypothetical situation could thus disrupt efforts and achievements in bilateral cooperation and relations.

It is thus highly critical that everyone calm down and think clearly and thoroughly. In this regard, the government should issue an insightful and calming statement to the people. Meanwhile, the authorities should not only fulfill their duties in investigating this incident, but also be a pillar of strength for the people.

Such efforts must be supported by the media, as it is a very powerful instrument in shaping public opinion, and the people rely upon the media as a reliable source of information. Therefore, the media must exercise caution and discretion in releasing any information in regards this case, and must be particularly vigilant about verifying or seeking clarification on any news or information beforehand.

Irresponsible and unethical news broadcasts and publications might easily worsen the situation and cause great disadvantages for both Indonesia and Australia -- the media must look at the bigger picture.

For example, a large number of Indonesian students pursue advanced education in Australia, and many Australian institutions here provide funding for prospective Indonesian students to enter postgraduate programs at Australian universities.

Bilateral cooperation and relations are not only limited to education, and the two countries have been working together in a variety of fields for many years. In business, a number of Australian companies operate in Indonesia, and their existence contributes to the growth and recovery of the national economy.

It is hard not to realize that we need Australia as much as Australia needs us. The examples mentioned above are just two of the many significant efforts and achievements that have been made in Indonesian-Australian cooperation and relations.

Furthermore, Australia is one of our closest neighbors and we have a responsibility to maintain a good relationship. The bombings in Bali in 2002, when most of the 202 fatalities were Australian tourists, and the latest attack on the Australian mission in Jakarta are stumbling blocks for bilateral relations.

Since the two incidents occurred within Indonesian territory, our authorities must make a great effort, not only in fully investigating the attacks, but also in preventing any possible future incidents. The investigation results must also be made transparent to the public, who have a right to information.

We do not need misleading, inaccurate, false or slanderous reports to compound the effects of this recent security breach and incite more fear. At stake is not only the safety of the people, but also the reputation of the country and its general progress in economic recovery.

The writer is a researcher of the Department of International Relations at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).