Preventing Australia-Indonesia tension post the Sept. 9 blast
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).