Rubbing salt in an open wound

Rubbing salt in an open wound

After reading Ketut Yasa's letter Disgusted by Bali's
tolerance published in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 23, I am not
judging whether what was written is true or not, but in my
opinion, it was extremely untimely. It is like rubbing salt into
the wound.

When all Balinese, Indonesians and the world as well, are
shocked by the Legian, Kuta, tragedy and sympathies were pouring
in from all over the world, in this difficult time, it is not
totally wise to comment, blaming the Balinese for their tolerance
in such vulgar words. This tragedy is a crime against humanity.
It is not a crime against any ethnicity, faith or race.

Investigation is still underway to uncover the perpetrators,
who were behind them and their motives. Not only were the
Balinese who suffer the brunt of this tragedy, but, in fact, the
whole Indonesian people as well.

Garuda Indonesia (the Indonesian national airline) will suffer
some US$ 1.5 million per week due to this tragedy, as reported by
some newspapers. While Lombok lost thousands of hotel room nights
in the wake of Bali tragedy.

We appeal to all Balinese to be resolute in facing all these
challenges, refrain from being emotional and blaming each other
and believe that everything will be back to normal.

NYOMAN SUWELA, Singaraja, Bali