Terrorism and realism

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