Indonesia`s stance on terrorism was clear enough, namely that terrorism is against human rights and therefore a concerted effort to root out terrorism should be attempted to prevail. "We have to increase our alertness, intensify security and fight against crimes and terrorism," the minister told the press after a close look at the media center of the Jakarta Convention Center here on Tuesday.
"Whether Osama is dead or alive is not a problem for Indonesia, as our efforts to combat terrorism will continue," Marty said.
The death of Osama on Monday was celebrated around the world as a victory for justice, but many people cautioned that it would not end terrorist attacks or ease the suffering of those who lost loved ones in bombings by al-Qaida-linked militants.
In the meantime, Chairul Akbar, secretary general of the anti-terrorism agency in Indonesia - the world`s most populous Muslim nation and a frequent al-Qaeda target - expressed jubilation about the news. Attacks blamed on al-Qaeda-linked militants have killed more than 260 people in Indonesia, many of them foreign tourists.
"We welcome the death of one of the world`s most dangerous men and highly appreciate the United States` help in crushing this global enemy," Chairul said. "He couldn`t be allowed to live. He helped spread a dangerous ideology all over the world, including in Indonesia."
Said Agil Siradj, chairman of Indonesia`s largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, said bin Laden`s death will help restore the image of Islam as a religion of peace, not of violence and radicalism.
"But I don`t think terrorism will stop with his death," Siradj said. "As long as there is oppression and injustice against Muslims in Palestine it will continue."
According to Siradj, the cause of terrorism is actually inseparable from injustice in politics, economy and law. Therefore, the best way to eliminate terrorism in Indonesia is by enforcing legal supremacy in all aspects of life.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
