RI's reputation at stake

RI's reputation at stake

A bomb exploded in Bali's Legian Beach, killing 182 people and wounding over 300 others. Most of them are innocent foreigners ignorant of all political matters.

On the same night a bomb blast also occurred near the U.S. Consulate General in Denpasar and another one in front of the gate of the Philippine Consulate General in Manado.

The peaceful image of Bali is shattered. Pictures of bomb blast casualties appear on TV the world over, bringing shame to the entire nation. The whole world ridicules, indicts and holds us responsible for the blasts.

Luckily President Megawati Soekarnoputri acted quickly, promising to arrest the perpetrators, expressing condolences to the dead victims, their families and their countries and allowing the countries concerned to send medical and humanitarian aid.

It is time the government and its apparatuses arrest and punish the perpetrators and expose their network because our reputation as a country is at stake. Otherwise, the outside world will not trust us and investors will stay away.

It is clear that a pro-democracy reform needs security and order. In the absence of security and order, it is the reform itself that will be imperiled. Take the 2004 general election, for example. Without proper security and order, it may not be held democratically.

That's why the President's quick response must be followed up proactively and wisely so that light can be shed on the case and the resulting shock be absorbed. -- Kompas, Jakarta