Political Differences Must Be Set Aside
Differences in political views, especially efforts to politicize terror attacks for electoral interests, must be avoided as this will only muddy the waters. If elites are united, people will join in the fight against terrorism.
Police officers stand guard during a search on Thursday (17/5/2018) of a suspected terrorist residence in Pakis Hamlet, Surabaya, East Java. The residence was searched following the arrest of alleged terrorists at the house.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Unity among political elites is urgent at a time when the country faces imminent threats such as terrorism. Differences in political views, especially efforts to politicize terror attacks for electoral interests, must be avoided as this will only muddy the waters. If elites are united, people will join in the fight against terrorism.
“This does not mean that criticisms or differences of opinions on how to best fight terrorism are not allowed. Criticisms and differences of opinions are fine, but must not sacrifice principles such as unity in the country,” Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) deputy secretary-general Eriko Sotarduga said when contacted from Jakarta on Thursday (17/5/2018).