Fri, 08 Aug 2003

'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.