Suspicion leads to arrogant image

Suspicion leads to arrogant image

From Media Indonesia

The presence of foreign troops in Aceh waters has remained a
public debate. According to media reports, the thousands of
soldiers are there to help Indonesia overcome the impact of
tsunami that recently devastated much of Aceh.

The question, however, is whether they are in Aceh only to
give assistance, or perhaps they have other hidden aims. Many
Indondesians not affected by the disaster, have lauded the
government's move to limit and control the foreign militaries.

Most citizens will, of course, agree if the government
conducts some kind of surveillance of their activities, but is it
legitimate to assume that the foreign troops are engaged in
military activities, while in Aceh?

In my view, being overly suspicious may prompt the outside
world to scoff at us and say to Indonesia, "Even in a time of
misfortune you are still arrogant."

HARTANTO
Yogyakarta