I am deeply concerned about the decision to put the name on the vessel.

Regarding those embittered stories of the past, can we show an elegant attitude without encouraging conflict? In my opinion, this behavior shows our insecurity and inferiority in building relations with the neighbor.

If we would like to show off something to our neighbor, show some achievements. Let us be encouraged and always look to the future with a positive view.

Astuti Widiati
Jakarta

The spirit of 'forgive and forget' has been adopted after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II; and so has the Dutch plundering of the Indonesian people also been forgotten.

Now, the Americans and the Japanese are working together on how to ensure a better life for all human beings. Now, we are inviting the Dutch to help us solve our perennial flooding in Jakarta.

I personally promote peace and cooperation not only with Singapore but with all other nations in the world. May God bless us.

Moeljono Adikoesoemo
Jakarta

I love Indonesia, but I think the move to name a Navy ship Usman-Harun is unwise. Although it is our right to name our ship what we want, we need to use our right responsibly, and there are many Indonesian heroes whose names we can put on our ships, although it is true we don't have many heroes that are related to the Navy because most of our war has happened on land.

Whoever in our government made this decision needs to take a hard look at our aspirations as a nation and admit we can do better than this.

Indonesia as a nation should not forget that these two soldiers lost their lives because they answered the call of the nation. They are heroes because of that. However, we cannot call those who ordered them to bomb a civilian target heroes. We should not glorify the killing of innocents.

It is our right to name our own ship and we aren't breaking any law, but it would be beautiful if we could show some emotional intelligence and try to understand Singapore's position. I think Indonesian officials need to call their Singaporean counterparts and tell them that we have not been so wise and assure them that we have learned from this incident.

Although, still we will not change the name of the ship, because that is impossible (Usman and Harun are still our heroes and that will not change).

How many innocent and unarmed civilians did American hero/terrorists kill when they dropped their package at Nagasaki and Hiroshima? Who dares to criticize them?

Something that would not be acceptable today, probably it was common practice in the past.

Gatot Santoso Wibowo

In fact, after news on this issue, hundreds of people are visiting Usman and Harun's graves to lay flowers and pay their respects. The Indonesian media also produce tributary news on the two heroes while before they were almost unknown by Indonesian public. Even a major road in Jakarta is going to be named after them now.

Purnomor


Topic of the day

Another disaster

Mount Kelud erupted late on Thursday, sending a huge plume of ash and sand 17-kilometers into the air ' the latest in a series of natural disasters including the Mount Sinabung eruption in North Sumatra and flooding in a number of locations. What do you think about the government's emergency efforts?

Send your thoughts by email, SMS, Twitter or Facebook. Include your name and city.

tjpforum SMS +628111872772  readersforum@thejakartapost.com

Popular

Indonesia rolls out one-day remote work in push for energy efficiency

At the mercy of the market

Indonesia calls Israel death penalty law 'grave violation' of human rights