Time for ASEAN to act

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 10/04/2007 8:15 AM  |  Opinion

The need for neighboring countries to take action is becoming more and more imperative. Indonesia's government is one of many needing to take a stand against Myanmar's military regime.

ADAM MCEWEN
Brisbane, Australia

As a Burmese citizen, I am inspired by Indonesia's transition to democracy. Whether you agree or not I will say your previous leader (who stepped down in 1998) was far better than our current one.

Thank you for your perspective on Myanmar. You have made a very good point. MAUNG HEIN
Singapore

Religious mobs and businesses Oct. 1, p. 1

I never understood why police never found and punished those 'criminals,' when every one knows who they are. YUSUP LIFIRE
Kampen, the Netherlands

As always they walk away without punishment. This kind of people do not accept other people can have other religions. It is a shame the police have not arrested these criminals. A.P. MULDERS
Helden-Panningen, The Netherlands

Ngurah Rai airport Oct. 1, p. 2

Don't waste money on public service ads. Employ more cleaning staff. Buy more toilet paper. Often the first impression international tourists get in Bali, (and often the last impression) is that there is no toilet paper at the International airport.

What does this say about respecting tourists? And how about providing safe drinking water outside the toilets too, like every other ""civilized"" international airport in the world outside Indonesia. INDOSURF
Jakarta

RI can push for reform in Myanmar Oct. 1, p. 6

Thank you. We are Myanmarese, and we know very well about the military regime in Myanmar, that is very cruel and has killed thousands for the survival of the government.

On its own, demonstrating against military force will not overthrow the group in power. We need arms for those military men. More support for the people and more pressure to the government from other countries like Indonesia, is mandatory. PHO CHAN THAR
Yangon, Myanmar

It is time for this nation of predominantly Buddhist peace loving people to be freed of the shackles of tyranny which has enslaved them for so long.

As a recent (within the last year) visitor to Yangon I am appalled that the Military could treat their peace loving people in such an inhuman way, as we have continued to witness in the past few weeks.

It is more than just ""times up"" for this inhumanity toward man. May the people at last be blessed, and may reform and progress move forward. BRIAN CLIFFORD
Wellington, New Zealand

It seems the Indonesian pre-Soeharto scenario wouldn't be forthcoming, given that the junta would never install a Habibie-like caretaker regime.

The only hope would be a split within the military, where a less hard-line military leadership take over political decision making, and work with the democratic opposition parties, monks and ethnic political parties and resistance forces, both cease-fire armies and active anti-regime forces.

The other alternative would be somewhat similar to an Allied forces rescue mission of German people, during Hitler's Nazi regime, by the civilized world -- if this agony is to be put to rest.

As long as the army remains intact with its suppressive machinery is employed against the people, the tyrannical rule will continue unabated. SAI WANSAI
Berlin, Germany

Firing squad Oct. 1, p. 9

The execution of prisoners is both inhumane and counterproductive. It perpetuates the idea that violence can be justified.

Instead we should oppose violence in all forms, whether by the state or by citizens. The Bali bombers should have their sentences commuted to life in prison without possibility of parole. TERRY HULL
Canberra

Bali industry, tourist extortion Bali page

Corrupt immigration officers are the first Indonesians foreigners sees when visiting Bali hurts the country and it's citizens. Simple solution: Zero Tolerance. Have all immigration, customs employees sign a statement that they face a minimum of 5 years in prison if caught taking bribes or extorting money from travellers to their country.

Also, post signs in the airport with contact information if the traveler feels he is being unfairly treated. It will work and could be used throughout the government. ROBIN ELDRIDGE
Estes Park, U.S.

My wife and I visited Indonesia for 30 nights in March and April. When we departed from Denpasar airport we were advised that we had stayed in Indonesia for 31 days. It was our belief that our visa was for 30 nights and we were wrong.

We had to pay the immigration official US$20 each, which we did. We never received a receipt, we just paid the $40 and were told to leave.

This was our 27th visit to Indonesia and we should have known better, we do not mind paying the fine as we were wrong, but I think the money may have gone into the official's pocket.

On our return home we discussed this matter with other people visiting Indonesia (we belong to a group of collectors of batik and ikat) and several other members had similar experiences. BERNARD C. LEIGH
Gold Coast, Australia

This ignorance has to stop but don't hope to much for any change. I am 17 years in this country and can not see any future for Indonesia if they will not take urgent and drastic steps and actions against all this egoistic ignorance of individuals.

There is a short name for this: no action talk only). Indonesia is on death road internationally if they do not address these problems now and not only take action only on cases of individual reporting problems.

All are very aware of the extortion and corruption business happening every day in Indonesia. To many Indonesians abusing there authorities and positions because of being egoistic and looking for easy money.

Also don't forget that Indonesian's Corruption Eradication Agency (KPK) has till now recorded more the 20,000 corruption case reports.

I my self have problems for now four years and my problem also is directly related to corruption, manipulation and extortion! But the ignorance will never stop right up to the government levels, all we get is promises but the realty is the government is not consistent and does not know how to handle this problems professionally and efficiently. MARIO D.
DENPASAR

Chinese tourists in Bali Bali page

I wonder if the Bali Tourists Agency (BTA) is aware that it getting harder and harder to get to Bali from some Australian cities. The direct flights from Adelaide and Brisbane have stopped by both Garuda and Quantas. Many tourists from here are now looking for alternative destinations. TERRY DEW
Adelaide, Australia

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