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Spying your neighbors
Indonesians love to be described as friendly and tolerant by foreigners
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ndonesians love to be described as friendly and tolerant by foreigners. Indonesians do not like to come across as suspicious with strangers because they believe in sincerity. But the recent bombings of two hotels in Jakarta, the arrests of alleged terrorists and the findings of substantial bomb materials in rented houses around the country, proved we have to pay very dearly for such a trusting behavior. We, Indonesians, are often too lenient toward our neighbors — especially newcomers — because we do not want to be perceived as unfriendly.
Residents of a housing compound in Bekasi said they saw a man who looked very much like terrorist Noordin M. Top. But they kept their suspicions to themselves, and they reported it only after the police raided a rented house and shot two alleged terrorists dead. More than 500 kilograms of explosive materials had been hidden at the house for sometime. They should made their neighborhood unit (RT) chief or police aware that something was not quite right.
Residents in Telaga Kauripan housing complex, Bogor, West Java were shocked when they found out that Saifuddin Jaelani, a member of their community, was hunted by the police after the bombings of the JW Marriott and the Ritz Carlton hotels on July 17. Saifuddin, who rented a house in the housing complex, was later accused of recruiting one of the suicide bombers, 18-year-old Dani Dwi Permana.
Meanwhile, residents of Pela Mampang in South Jakarta, just found out from the media that a group of terrorists – which most likely included Noordin — was living in a house in their neighborhood. A resident told a TV station he was intrigued by the behavior of a teenager — whom he later discovered was the JW Marriott Hotel bomber — who often ordered four bowls of porridge without knowing who the other bowls of food were for. Unfortunately, the resident went on with his day-to-day life, without reporting anything to the local authorities.
Actually, there is a 2007 bylaw on public order, which demands each household report to the head of the neighborhood unit any guest staying for more than 24 hours. Unfortunately, most residents ignore the ruling, even though they are punishable with a 2-month prison sentence or fines up to Rp 20 million (US2,000).
But the above fact also highlights many Indonesians are reluctant to have any dealings with the police, as more often than not, the police’s reaction is unpleasant and even painful at times.
Beware of any strangers around you. We should also be remember that we have a an important role to play in the prevention of terrorism, by being more attentive to our neighborhood. There is no denying it is crucial for us to keep a vigilant eye in our neighborhood, as all terrorists need a place to hide, live and prepare their next terrorist act. They need time to assemble bombs and transit for a while before carrying out their terrorist acts.
We have to be suspicious of new people coming to our neighborhoods, particularly if they are reluctant to join in activities with other residents or if they often accommodating strange guests without reporting their stay to the neighborhood unit head.
It sounds cliché to say that fighting terrorism has to involve all elements of society. But given the events witnessed recently, it is clear that all people are needed to prevent any terrorist acts from reoccurring. Keep an eye on your new neighbors or visitors. Spy on them if necessary.
