'Terrorists deserve a lifetime of torture'

'Terrorists deserve a lifetime of torture'

Police are investigating the bombing of JW Marriott Hotel in
South Jakarta on Tuesday, that killed 10 people and injured 149
others. The investigation has uncovered similarities with last
year's Bali bombings in the type of explosive materials used.
Innocent people were the casualties of both attacks. Some people
shared their feelings about the issue with The Jakarta Post.

Patricia, 22, is a holidaymaker from the Netherlands. She is
staying on the popular backpacker strip, Jl. Jaksa, Central
Jakarta, for a few days:

I just arrived from Sumatra, actually I don't know that much
about the tragedy but I'm very shocked.

I condemn those responsible for planting the bomb. What reason
could they have to commit such a heinous crime.

They are not logical people. They don't think about their own
lives, do they?

What kind of punishment should be given to terrorists? I guess
the death penalty, a life in prison doesn't equate with their
cruelty.

I feel sorry for the innocent people who were the breadwinners
in their families.

But I'm not scared. Death could happen anytime, anywhere...
even New York, right?

I'll just continue with my plan to go to Bali. But I plan to
stay in Indonesia for a month first.

However, I have been advised to stay away from American-
related buildings or restaurants. So I won't visit those places
for my own safety, although I love McDonald's.

Simona, 23, is a Dutch holidaymaker who is also staying on Jl.
Jaksa. She visited the scene of the blast on Thursday:

I'm so sad about the victims. Those that lost their lives and
those that were injured.

But despite the tragedy I will continue with my holiday. I
don't worry about it too much.

I wonder just how crazy these terrorists are. They don't care
about their own lives, much less others.

They lack in humanity. Their merciless deeds certainly go
beyond common sense, although they think that they act out of
religious duty.

I think the terrorists deserve a lifetime of torture. The
death penalty is not worthwhile. Physical torture resulting in
physical defects would be appropriate. At least they would be
reminded of the suffering of their victims.

Nunung, 43, is a street sweeper in the Mega Kuningan business
district in South Jakarta. She lives on Jl. Perintis, South
Jakarta, with her husband and five children:

I'm terribly sad. The explosion was so powerful that it rocked
my house, I heard the blast as I was about to leave for work.

Usually I have a little midday rest in front of the Marriott
Hotel lobby. Thank God I escaped the tragedy because I went home
instead.

I can't describe my feelings. It's like a nightmare. I knew
some of the hotel security guards very well. Now they are gone...
I cry every time I remember their faces.

I can't imagine what would have happened if I had taken my
break as usual. I'm sure I would be one of the fatalities.

It really scared me. I feel a bit shaken up now, but I have to
continue working as usual.

I have no idea why the evil terrorists chose innocent people
for their targets. They were just people who struggled hard to
earn very little money.

If the terrorist wanted to take revenge against the government
they should not have killed common people. They are evil!

I think the terrorists should get the death penalty. That
would pay them back for the lives they took.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.