'The bomb brings us closer together'

A tragedy such as the Sept. 9 bombing outside the Australian Embassy in Kuningan, South Jakarta, not only affects the victims and the country, but the entire international community. The Jakarta Post asked residents how the terrorist attack affected their lives.

Iwan, 27, works as an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Setiabudi, South Jakarta.

I saw the damage caused by the bombing and it was horrible -- scattered bodies and everything.

However, I have to admit that ojek drivers benefited that day.

I usually earn between Rp 40,000 (US$4.40) and Rp 50,000 a day, but that day I made Rp 175,000.

I was waiting for passengers at the corner when I heard the explosion. My friends and I rushed to the scene and there were lots of panicked people who wanted to leave immediately.

So they hired ojek and did not bargain. Some of the other ojek drivers earned up to Rp 500,000.

Erman, 29, is a journalist with a national daily in Central Jakarta.

I wonder why the terrorists always attack Indonesia instead of other countries? Azahari and Noordin Moh. Top are Malaysian, so why do they want to make Indonesians suffer?

I don't understand their motives. If they want to show how much they hate Westerners, why bomb Indonesia?

Now we could be facing an economic downturn, and tourism will definitely be affected by the bombing.

Dani, 26, works as a web designer in Setiabudi, South Jakarta. He lives in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.

I sympathize with the victims and their relatives. No one can ever come to terms with such a great loss.

But I don't think we should show that we are afraid by avoiding public places or not leaving the house at all.

Instead, by expressing our condolences to the victims and helping them through this nightmare, we will be stronger and more united. One thing about a tragedy, it allows us to express our care for others.

--The Jakarta Post