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