Terrorism and realism

The articles in The Jakarta Post by Ambassador to the UK Juwono Sudarsono (Nov. 4) and by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda (Dec. 11) and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Dec. 12) were a refreshing reminder that at least some of Indonesia's ministers and senior officials are willing to address vital issues -- in this case terrorism -- with realism and logic.

Although I did not agree with everything they wrote, the writers and the Post deserve congratulations for contributing to public understanding and debate. Unfortunately, the very publication of the articles caused controversy.

In regards Sudarsono's article, it was alleged the article should have been labeled "personal", to show it was not "official". Actually, Sudarsono had written in the third sentence: "As an Indonesian Muslim academic turned temporary diplomat, my tentative answer would be...". Surely this was a clear enough indication that he was writing in a personal capacity.

With regard to Wirayuda, the U.S. Ambassador reportedly said that criticism of Washington's Iraq policy should not be aired in public. Considering that U.S. forces have killed thousands of Iraqis during their illegal invasion, it seems excessive to complain that the Indonesian foreign minister is violating diplomatic norms by making a truthful speech.

Coincidentally, just after Wirayuda made his speech, the U.S. government announced it would confine bidding for reconstruction contracts in Iraq to companies from countries that supported the invasion. Plainly, the U.S. is forsaking good governance, free trade and Iraqi welfare to warn countries they will be punished economically if they refuse to acquiesce in future to U.S. invasions.

So it is disturbing that the foreign ministry (in its letter of Dec. 15) regrets the publication of the minister's speech. They appear to be practicing an updated form of self-censorship to avoid offending President Bush's New World Order.

When foreign ministry officials say something intelligent and important, we do not need a disclaimer implying that they should have kept quiet. Instead, let everyone recognize that the Indonesian people have a right to know not only the government's foreign policy, but also the ideas that drive it.

JOHN HARGREAVES Jakarta