T

en years later, Indonesian Harry Supit recalls racing for his life sprinting down New York’s financial district.

He was alongside thousands of other panicked New Yorkers as they attempted to outrun the colossal cloud of toxins and smoke which was all that remained of the twin towers pouring through the downtown streets like a tsunami.

All this, just moments after he was paraded down the stairs of his workplace, only 200 meters from what used to be the World Trade Center complex, to find himself exiting his office facing the WTC with gaping holes, flames and fellow humans leaping to their death.

The stories of this tragedy are numerous, and they remain as vivid today as they have ever been. Yet, the Indonesian survivors speak of it and the decade that has passed with an unwavering optimism centered upon faith, unity and understanding, undoubtedly reflecting New York’s reputation as the melting pot that it has always been.

“After the tragedy, some Indonesians decided to go back to Indonesia to overcome their trauma,” commented Rina Fitriyah Wahyuningsih, vice Consul for Information and Socio-cultural Affairs from the Indonesian Consulate in New York.

However, those that stayed noted positive experiences in the city as it struggled to overcome its greatest tragedy.

“At that time America reacted very civilized, as there was hardly any violence or repercussions against the followers of the perpetrators’ religion or believe system,” expressed Harry through an email from New York.

Rizki Hamid, who was only in the 3rd grade at the time, recalls the confusion when his teacher let the young students know that they needed to go home and that all bridges, airports and tunnels were closed.

It wasn’t until he arrived home that he and his Indonesian family watched the news that they realized the full magnitude of what had happened.

After smoke and dust, it turned out that 2,996 people were killed in the attacks that shook American and the entire world, changing many aspects of the US and international relations for the years to come.  

“After the attacks many New Yorkers thought Islam was evil. People now realize that Islam is a peaceful religion and in New York. Nowadays, the city has about 350 mosques and I don’t feel any difference with the way they treat me as a Muslim in New York,” he said through email from New York as he spoke of the growing understanding that has taken place during the period since the event.

He welcomes these improvements in mentalities as a growing openness directed towards Muslims living in the United States and expresses his happiness for the ongoing renewal of Ground Zero. “I hope for a bright future for New York.”