Say the Pledge: “This Is the End of Terrorism!”

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Gadjah Mada University’s (UGM) student executive body chairman Obed Kresna reads out a statement condemning the Surabaya terror attack at Balairung UGM in Yogyakarta on Monday (14/5/2018). UGM called on all sides to actively prevent and counter all forms of terrorism, starting in their surrounding areas.

Nothing could be minimized in the sorrows created by terror attacks. The deep wounds, especially the psychological traumas from the death of loved ones, will always be there.

This crime against humanity is monstrous and it looks like it’s not going away soon from this country.

Every time a terror attack occurs, like the bombings in Surabaya, East Java, we always hear national figures and leaders calling for the people not to be defeated in the fight against terror. As time goes by, these statements seemed to have echoed in a vacuum. The terrorists seem to jeer at these statements while also saying, “Well, then, prove it!”

We really need to introspect. With proper agencies in place, including ones dealing with general security and intelligence, and specific counterterrorism measures, how can the bombings in Surabaya occur?

In the current unsafe conditions, the government is trying to revise the Terrorism, which was submitted to the House of Representatives in February 2016. The existing law, or Law No. 15/2003, was deemed too reactionary and not anticipatory enough against terror threats.

Let us underline this, as a lack of anticipation has always been our weakness. With proper anticipatory measures, a plan for the attacks in Surabaya should have been detected.

In short, we hope that whatever measures taken will be maximum and effective. This nation is both angered and tired by the issue of terrorism. Meanwhile, the weakening rupiah and its subsequent effects have dimmed the hope of economic prosperity.

The nation awaits an administration that can eradicate terrorism from Indonesia once and for all. We have many experts and law enforcement personnel, and an adequate budget. So, let’s move already.

On the other hand, there are certain burdens, both psychological and economic, that we need to shoulder in the wake of the attacks in East Java. At a time when we try to boost foreign investment by promoting an image that our country is safe, will host the 2018 Asian Games and hold a celebration of democracy, we need to experience a major setback.

We hope the authorities in all sectors can minimize the impacts of terror attacks. There must not be any serious repercussions in the economy and all related sectors, including tourism.

Minimizing impacts and maximizing terrorism eradication efforts should be the government’s priority program. From experience, we know that this will not be easy. We see that we do not yet have the proper legal instrument, and the modus operandi of terrorism is ever-involving, with children and women now being used in attacks.

Let us all pledge that this is it for terrorism. Enough is enough. We have much work to do and our time and energy should not be wasted on dealing with terrorism. Let us all show the world that we are a brave and learning nation.