Suicide bombers, as seen in attacks that occurred since the 2002 Bali bombings, are usually not alone in carrying out their acts.
By
Kompas Editor
·3 minutes read
AFP/INDRA ABRIYANTO
Indonesian police examine the site outside a church after an explosion in Makassar on March 28, 2021.
The suicide bombing in Makassar really shocked us and made us realize that terrorism has not been uprooted in this country. Don\'t let your guard down.
The tragedy that occurred at the gate of the Hati Kudus Yesus (Sacred Heart of Jesus) Cathedral in Makassar on Sunday (28/3/2021) morning and injured 20 people was inconceivable. In the midst of all Indonesians working together to devote their energy to tackle the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives and infected 1.4 million people, there are still parties carrying out acts of terror.
Regardless of Thomas Hobbes’ thinking that humans are evil in nature or, conversely, Jean-Jacques Rousseau\'s thinking that humans are naturally good, the recent Makassar bombing is certainly inhumane. All religious leaders have condemned the heinous act that disturbed the peace of Christians who were celebrating Palm Sunday, which is the first day of Holy Week leading up to Easter and commemorates Jesus Christ’s gift of salvation by atoning for human sins through suffering on the cross.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s order to the police to immediately identify the perpetrators and break down their network can hopefully be realized soon, even though the work is very complex and will not be easy.
Suicide bombers, as seen in attacks that occurred since the 2002 Bali bombings, are usually not alone in carrying out their acts. They often work under a network, quietly and diligently, according to Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s order to the police to immediately identify the perpetrators and break down their network can hopefully be realized soon, even though the work is very complex and will not be easy.
The word terror in Latin is terrere, which means to cause fear, panic and horror in the mind of the victim. The nation certainly should not be afraid of it. However, it does not mean that we can be careless.
AFP/ INDRA ABRIYANTO
Indonesian police stand guard outside a church after an explosion in Makassar on March 28, 2021.
A study released by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) in July 2020 found that the national resiliency index had decreased to 2.7 from 2.82 recorded before the pandemic, which is categorized as “fairly resilient”. Since then, the number has shifted closer to the category of “less resilient”. In five months, the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the country’s five-year effort to build national resilience.
The suicide bombing, despite happening during a pandemic, necessitates a quick and accurate response. Just like in containing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, those who have contracted the “terrorism virus” need to be immediately tracked down, isolated and cured. The pandemic has impacted various aspects of life. Efforts to strengthen the country’s political, economic, social and cultural aspects need to be taken into account.
AFP/INDRA ABRIYANTO
Indonesian police carry a bag with the remains of a suspected suicide bomber after an explosion outside a church in Makassar on March 28, 2021.
To prevent the spread of the “terrorism virus”, the nation needs to strengthen its immunity in a quick, serious and continuous manner. Antiterrorism vaccines, namely teaching a love of peace, in the spirit of Palm Sunday, need to be injected throughout the country to fight the virus that transmits hatred. “Love never claims, it ever gives. Love never suffers, never resents, never revenges itself. Meanwhile, hatred leads to destruction,” said Mahatma Gandhi.
