TERROR ATTACK NEAR JAKARTA BUS TERMINAL DEPLORED by Fardah

Jakarta, May 25, 2017 (Antara)- From President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to Ulemas (Muslim scholars) and Jakarta's governor-elect Anies Baswedan, among others, several prominent figures have strongly condemned the suicide terror attack that hit near Kampung Melayu bus terminal, eastern Jakarta, killing three police officers.

          The Jakarta bomb explosions that occurred on May 24 evening, just two days after Manchester terror attack, killed two suspected suicide bombers too.

          One of the suicide bombers, identified by his initial as INS (40), was killed, with his head, legs, and body blown apart. Another suspect, believed to be a woman, was killed too.

          Eleven people, including five police officers, two female university students, and drivers of public vehicles, were injured in the twin blasts that hit five minutes apart at 9 p.m. and 9:05 p.m. local time, respectively.

         The injured victims were rushed to the Premier Jatinegara Hospital, Said Sukant Kramat Jati Police Hospital, Budi Asih Hospital, and Hermina Hospital that were located nearby.

        The police officers were on duty to guard a group of people who were holding a torch parade to welcome the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The parade had not yet passed by when the blasts occurred.

         The country's Head of State and various other parties expressed their condolences to the victims and families of the suicide bombing.

          "I convey my deepest condolences to the victims and their families, including those still in hospital, particularly the police officers on duty," Jokowi stated at his residence in Solo, Central Java, on May 25.

          The president has instructed Chief of the National Police General Tito Karnavian to investigate the crime and quell the network of suicide bombers.

          "I have ordered the National Police chief to totally crush the network of the perpetrators. We have instructed to quell it until its roots," he stated.

          Jokowi called on Indonesians across the country to remain calm. "I call on all citizens across the country to remain calm and maintain brotherhood. We must always maintain calm," he remarked.

         The head of state particularly urged citizens to maintain tranquility during the upcoming Islamic fasting month of Ramadan that will start on Saturday.

           "Harmony must be maintained during these days when Muslims are preparing themselves to observe Ramadan," he added.

        Another strong condemnation was voiced by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

        "Whoever the perpetrators are, they are human beings who have lost their humanitarian values. This is indeed a very cruel and saddening humanitarian tragedy," Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi, deputy chairman of MUI, stated in Jakarta on May 25.  
  The latest incident indicates that terrorism still exists in Indonesia, and every party, particularly security officers, religious prominent figures, and the community, should pay serious attention to eradicate it, as terrorism is the enemy of the state, he noted.

         In its fatwa (ruling) no. 3 of 2014, the MUI has stated that terrorism is a crime against humanity and civilization that could pose a serious threat to the country's sovereignty.

         Terrorism poses a threat to security and world peace and affects public welfare, it added.

            Hence, terrorism is haram, or forbidden, according to the MUI.

           The MUI also expressed its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the Kampung Melayu bomb attack.

            "We call on everyone to remain calm and fully trust the security personnel to take necessary measures," he emphasized.

            Meanwhile, Jakarta's governor-elect Anies Baswedan, Chairman of the Regional Representative Council Oesman Sapta, as well as House Speaker Setya Novanto also deplored the bomb attack and separately expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

           Baswedan visited the Premier Hospital located near the blast site to meet those injured in the bomb attack.

          "We convey our deep condolences," Baswedan stated on May 25, adding that he strongly deplored the incident.

         He called on every citizen of Jakarta to remain calm and to help maintain security and unity.

          The former education and culture minister has urged Jakartans to trust the legal enforcers to investigate the case. He expressed hope that peace would return to Jakarta.

        Furthermore, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo invited all elements of society to boost early detection to counter any form of terrorism and radicalism.

           "Let us fight against radicalism and terrorism in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The entire society and elements of the nation must unite to counter any form of terrorism and radicalism. Indonesia must not lose to radicalism and terrorism," he stated in a statement received on May 25.

          The ministry expressed optimism that the police would be able to expose the perpetrators and the motives behind the bombing.

          General Chairman of the National Awakening Party Muhaimin Iskandar also strongly condemned the blasts.

         "I strongly condemn the inhumane deeds committed by irresponsible people. They continue to harass us, making this country experience an unfavorable condition," he stated. ***2***
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(T.F001/A/BESSR/A/Yosep) 25-05-2017