Terrorism does exist here

Terrorism does exist here

The recent JW Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta which killed
12 people, and forced more than 150 others to be hospitalized for
injuries, proved that terrorism does exist here.

The terror leaves the public in fear and prolonged
uncertainty. Before JW Marriott, terrorists had bombed Sari Club
and Paddy's Pub in Kuta, Bali, leaving 202 people dead and more
than 400 others injured. Other bombings had also occurred at
several other places.

The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security, Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono, recently emphasized the fact that terrorism
exists in Indonesia. And thus the people continue to speculate on
the matter.

According to Yudhoyono, the most important thing is how to
deal with terrorism.

But in a democratic environment debate and freedom of speech
is all very well, provided that the debate is fair. Everybody
should be able to talk and express their ideas, but talk without
action is pointless.

In regard to the JW Marriott bombing and its aftermath, it is
imperative that we find ways and policies -- including laws and
rulings -- which are stronger, to prevent terrorism.

-- Kompas, Jakarta