Sunday, July 19, 2009

On Bombs and My Country

"Terrorism has become the systematic weapon of a war that knows no borders and seldom has a face."
- Jacques Chirac

17 July 2009. Was in Ho Chi Minh City and opened the net to check mail. Saw MSN Indonesia. Read that there were again bombings in Jakarta. Surreal. Thought my country was finally on track to some peace and development. Found out conspiracy theories that these were done by politicians to undermine SBY. Intense irritation.. If it's an act of terrorism.. at least Al-Qaeda attacked American soil.. Screwing up your own country when it's already screwed up enough? Geez. If it's done by politicians... Wonder what my country would become in 5 years..

Short analysis from Dad: very possible that bombing is done by political rivals of the soon-to-be sworn in president. Indonesia back to unstable condition (the SBY government had done a lot to stabilise the country, but now it's undone again..hopefully not by much..). The bombing is a direct challenge to the government saying, "Even after all you've done, Indonesia is not safe." What a stupid thing to say to one's own govt. Parents a bit paranoid now. Very glad that all the kids are abroad. Research should be done on the relation between terrorism acts and the amount of Indonesian kids studying abroad. Even I got here as a result of May 1998 riots.

Anyway, continue analysis: tourism to Indonesia will be hit badly. People will avoid places with a lot of westerners for some time. Not advisable to buy assets now. After five years, SBY cannot be elected again, maybe then the real screwing up will begin.

Hufh. Am a Singaporeanised Indonesian, always safe and sound away from home, and about the only good thing I've done for my country is promote its books and language amongst Indos and non-Indos. Still, want Indonesia to do well, to be well. March on, Mr. President. Most Indonesians are not stupid. Let's hope these people use their clout.

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