'Terrorists exists, but I'm not afraid'

The mastermind or masterminds behind the Bali attacks that killed almost 200 people have yet to be identified and apprehended. But people here told The Jakarta Post that whoever the terrorists are who would commit such a heinous act, they will not give into fear and stop going about their lives.

Marcelinus, 42, a translator and part-time tour leader. He lives in Matraman, East Jakarta, with his wife and son:

I'm sure that the terrorist threat in Indonesia really exists. We forget that even street crimes are acts of terrorism, as they spread terror.

The fight for power among high-ranking officials resulted in some losers who felt desperate because they failed to win support for their own interests. I'm of the opinion that these people have the potential to terrorize the country.

As a matter of fact, I wonder who are these terrorists who kill ordinary people like us.

I don't know how I will be able to feed my family if the situation remains like this.

Even though terrorism exists here, we don't need to be afraid. I guess death comes like a thief, quietly so no one realizes.

Sapto Prayitno, 60, a food vendor in Palmerah, West Jakarta. He has six children:

I think there are a lot of terrorists in Indonesia now. High- ranking officials are too busy fighting for power to care about security in the country.

As a result, the terrorists feel free to move about and terrorize citizens. Nobody watches them come into the country or what they are doing here until something happens.

The bombings in Bali were definitely carried out by professionals, maybe from the military. But do you think our country has such high explosives?

If terrorists attacked Jakarta I wouldn't be too afraid because I live on the outskirts of the city, away from any targets.

Reki, a student at Trisakti University. He lives in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, with his family:

Looking at the connected bombing incidents across Indonesia, I would say that there is a terrorist network here that wants to destabilize the country.

Following the Bali tragedy last Saturday, there is the possibility that terrorists will threaten the capital.

Hopefully it won't happen here, but I worry about it.

Nelly, 29, an at an English school in Central Jakarta. She lives in Cilandak, South Jakarta, with her family:

I guess I believe that terrorism has long been in Indonesia. But it does not mean that we have to blame a certain group or people who are commonly believed to have links with international terrorist networks.

If we look deeper, there are many people and parties who would have motives for terrorist attacks. Different motives drive different terrorists.

I admit that there is an apprehensive feeling. But what are we scared of? Based on past experience, acts of terror are always unpredictable.

Why should we be scared of something that we don't know where or when it will happen?

-- Leo Wahyudi S