In America, there are two things that most people associate with Indonesia: terrorism and natural disasters. Our media has covered the earthquakes, tsunamis, and the terrorist attacks. People think that I am crazy to be living here for the summer, especially when I tell them that I went to Jakarta and a planning a trip to Bali. I mean, after all, those two cities had terrorist attacks…they must be unsafe, right? Here is what the United States Department of State has to say:
Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks directed against American or other Western citizens and interests, the Department of State urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Indonesia (State Dept).
I encourage you to click the link and read the rest of the warning. After reading it, let me know if that would make you scared to visit Indonesia, or worse, keep you from coming. The State Department is kind enough to offer great advice about “avoiding crowds” and “maintaining a low-profile”, as to not attract the terrorists:
The Department of State urges Americans in Indonesia to avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, and be vigilant about security at all times. Americans are advised to monitor local news broadcasts, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of preventive security when visiting public places in Indonesia. Americans who choose to vacation in Indonesia despite the security risks are advised to consider the level of preventive security when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.
Today I received a warning that was basically copied and pasted from that website into the e-mail. It was from the US Embassy in Jakarta. The same people that repeatedly told us that this was a safe country, and that anyone we talked to would tell us the same thing. Hmm.
After spending some time here and talking to a number of people, I am just not buying it – and neither are they. The religious tolerance in this country is impressive. I have tried to capture that through some of my photos (not sure if they are posted), and I will continue to do so, as it is very evident in this country. Having said that, you still have to be smart about where you go, what you say, and what you do…but it should be obvious to anyone with half a brain.
In addition to religious tolerance, a lot can be learned by looking at the political system in Indonesia. The most impressive aspect about the system is the fact that it is a democracy. Granted, it is a very new democracy with a lot of problems, but one nonetheless. Scholars around the world are excited by this fact, as it provides a case study of democracy in a majority-Muslim country. There are certain parts of the country that have adopted slightly different systems. For example, some cities have Shariah law(Islamic law), which means people can be arrested for violating ‘moral laws’.
That was all sort of a tangent. What I really wanted to write about was the police, and how well they have been doing. I am almost positive the US media has barely mentioned this…if even at all. If you visit some news websites, search for ‘Indonesia’ and see if an article comes up regarding the major arrests that have been made. For a force that is often criticized for corruption, they have done a more than decent job tracking down members of Jemaah Islamiyah (JL). Recently, the police arrested Abu Dujana, the leader of this terrorist organization. Here is an article I found in the Christian Science Monitor. Here is an excerpt from the article:
Mr. Dujana’s arrest is the culmination of some 500 arrests – an effort that has also seen Indonesia’s police forces evolve from using a reactive to a proactive approach in combating the group. The latest series of arrests in January and February 2007 are the result of a new emphasis on intelligence-driven law enforcement that anticipates crimes, rather than merely reacting.
The campaign also showcases how training, logistical help, and cooperation from foreign agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and the US FBI and CIA were able to help collar a high-value international perpetrator. All the while, the Indonesian government has had to tread a delicate political path in order not to be seen as persecuting Islam in the world’s largest Muslim country.
Having been here for over a month, I feel totally safe. I am sure my readers from or living in Indonesia would echo that sentiment.
Sippin’ on lime squash,
TMM
