'We should try to solve our own mess first'

'We should try to solve our own mess first'

The wave of opposition to the U.S. and its allies' attack on Iraq
has been growing stronger. Some members of a radical group even
threatened to interfere with foreigners on the streets while
others have called for a boycott of American products. But some
people interviewed by The Jakarta Post said that while they
condemned the war, they did not agree with the intimidation of
foreigners or the calling of a boycott.

Heri, 29, is a bicycle taxi (ojek) driver in Muara Karang,
North Jakarta. He resides in Pakuhaji, Banten, with his daughter.
His wife is a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia:

I completely disagree with the war. I worry a lot about my
wife, who has been working in Saudi Arabia for one-and-a-half
years.

She is just one of among the thousands of female migrant
workers who now work as domestic helpers in the Middle East. And,
she is also among those who worry about the effects of the war.

War is not the best approach to take in the modern world. I
wonder why a superpower like America still chooses this
destructive way.

Perhaps it is a form of revenge as former U.S. President Bush
failed to remove Saddam several years ago. But Saddam is too
tough to be toppled by the aggressors.

Taking control of Iraq's oil resources is also one of the main
reasons for Bush going to war.

This war only hinders worldwide attempts to establish peace.
How can we create world peace if we can't stop a war like this?

Worse still, the war will result in many innocent people being
terrorized and traumatized; there have already been many innocent
casualties of war.

However, I am at odds with the idea of some radical Muslim
groups that plan to interfere with foreigners here. Both this,
and the boycotting of U.S. products and interests, are very
stupid ideas.

We have foreigners here to work for the development of our
country and they are sources of state revenue. On the other hand,
we have our migrant workers in foreign countries.

Driving away the foreigners will only worsen our economic
slump. We also don't want migrant workers from Indonesia to be
kicked out of their host countries. We should respect each other
for the benefit of each other. When there is respect there will
be peace in the world.

I hope nothing bad happens to my wife out there as I need her
to bring up our daughter here.

Bimo, 25, is a sidewalk vendor selling fritters in Citraland,
West Jakarta. He lives in Tanjung Duren, West Jakarta, with his
relatives:

I would say that the U.S. and the allies' attack on Iraq is
the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

I am really sorry for the many civilians killed and injured in
Iraq due to the U.S.-led bombardment. They are just innocent
people, but why have they been victimized in this war?

I'm sure that their suffering is because of arrogant and
stubborn leaders.

I am afraid that the U.S. attacks could trigger a backlash
against America. I mean, there might be a terrorist attack on the
U.S. given that all their military forces are focussed on the war
in Iraq.

If this happens, I think it would be fair enough because it
will teach Bush how painful war is.

However, I don't agree with street protests, intimidation of
foreigners or the boycotting of American products.

What are the protesters thinking about? These things will harm
our country as foreigners will leave and our country will lose
out economically. It's all ridiculous.

Simin, 45, is a mobile vendor selling chicken noodles in
Pluit, North Jakarta. He resides in Tanah Merah, North Jakarta,
with his wife and three children:

I think the war is simply ridiculous as there are no clear
reasons for it.

The U.S. and its allied forces have put forward some excuses
for attacking Iraq, but in fact it's clear that the president is
determined to fight with Saddam Hussein.

I don't agree at all with those protesters who say they will
interfere with foreigners in the country. Besides, I also
disagree with those staging rallies to boycott American products.
What's it all for?

These misguided protests will damage the image of the country
and its economy.

Besides, I think this war is none of our business. It is
happening far away from here and it does not affect us directly.

The demonstrators never think that we have our own problems to
cope with. If we are incapable of finding our way out of our own
mess, why should we concern ourselves with other countries'
problems? Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

-- Leo Wahyudi S