O

n my way to Hanoi last week, I came across an article in the Straits Times written by Zakir H. who wrote that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono admitted to religious and communal violence in Indonesia, which was not exclusive to Indonesia.

SBY stated: 'We will not allow desecration of places of worship'. If that is so, why are churches being padlocked and why are Ahmadiyah mosques being burned down? Why are religious minorities being harassed and killed and their killers still walking around freely?

Yes indeed SBY. Those perpetrators should be apprehended but what are you doing about it?

Talking about this and stating that you are going to take action are two different things. The non-implementation of your promises is still pending.

Stating that Indonesia is not the only country with religious problems is so ignorant. If other countries are swimming in excrement, it does not mean that Indonesia should also be.

Be careful what you say Mr. President because you cannot change nor can you retract what you have said and promised. You know that there is practically no law enforcement in Indonesia.

The award that you received is a big joke and you know this as well as everybody else. What are you going to do next, open an Israeli Embassy in Jakarta?

Lynna van der Zee-Oehmke
Bogor - West Java