Xenophobia thicker than humanity

On Wednesday morning, a major radio station in Jakarta invited its listeners to comment on the Indonesian Military's (TNI) decision to restrict the movements of international aid workers and foreign military personnel while in Aceh.

The answers given by the listeners have likely upset the government, especially the TNI's top brass, because most listeners were not only opposed to the TNI's decision, but also questioned the real motives of the TNI. Such a reaction reflects the high suspicion that remains toward the military, who for decades were a tool of oppression.

"We should not be paranoid about the foreigners, who are very sincere in helping people in Aceh," one listener from Central Jakarta said.

It is obviously a good move by the TNI Chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto to say he wants to ensure the safety of some 2,000 foreign civilians, who are now working on the humanitarian mission in the tsunami-devastated province.

As a host, Indonesia is responsible for the security and protection of the humanitarian workers. Indonesia could not have handled this unprecedented disaster on its own. The nation needs international assistance.

Although it seems restrictive, the general's decision to require the volunteers to be escorted by TNI soldiers during trips outside of Banda Aceh actually makes sense because there is still a war going on. With seemingly little fear of the many risks inherent, the volunteers have come here out of a strong sense of compassion for the suffering victims and have been motivated to help the Acehnese build a totally new life.

Foreign military ships and planes are also required to have military liaison officers accompany them and get clearance from the TNI for all movements. Meanwhile, the government has indicated that the foreign presence would not last more than three months.

But, as reflected in the radio talk show, many people doubt that the restrictive measures are merely aimed at protecting the foreign volunteers.

TNI generals have admitted they would not have enough resources to handle the relief and rehabilitation alone, and thus need the foreign help.

So, why then did Gen. Endriartono make such a controversial decision, while thousands of guests are now in Aceh to help us? Most of them likely realize the dangers during their humanitarian mission, but still they have come. Why? Because of a sense of humanity; that is the only answer for their readiness to take a risk. A risk that may be in the form of armed gunmen, another earthquake aftershock or malaria.

We should thank the hard-working guests because without their help, the suffering of the victims of the natural disaster would be much worse.

Despite the radio listeners responses, it has become all too evident from local media reports that there is a growing feeling of xenophobia here, at least in certain parts of society. We accept the foreigners' relief, but at the same time we are suspicious of them and do not appreciate what they have done. From television reports, it has become abundantly clear that the Acehnese have welcomed the foreigners, including American soldiers. People who live far away from these appreciative victims still question the foreign presence, while for victims, they are saviors.

Perhaps it is ridiculous to say that such behavior also proves that many of us have no compassion for our brothers and sisters in Aceh, not just when they were oppressed by the government, but even now as they struggle to survive amidst such a horrible calamity. Many Indonesians are very firm in their opinion that the government must do everything possible to ensure the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), therefore, they also feel that any rebellious acts in Aceh must be harshly punished to ensure that the soil of that province remains part of the nation state.

Of course, we also hope the foreign guests realize that they are guests in Aceh, regardless of how much we need their help. Guests are expected to adapt to the conditions of their hosts.

We do hope that the negative statements, xenophobia and a lack of appreciation shown by some members of society, will not discourage our Samaritan friends. We also hope they realize that the nation needs and truly appreciates their help.