Friday, Aug 7, 2009 from 5 pm until around 9pm tens of thousands of people from various religion and background gathered in the spirit of nationalism, unity and hope for Indonesia’s better future.

The National Anthem Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia), a national song Indonesia Pusaka (Indonesia, the Heritage) and patriotic songs written by today’s generations’ bands and song writers such as Gebyar-gebyar (Sparkling) written by Gombloh and Merah Putih (Red-white — as in the colour of the flag) written by the band Coklat and many more were sung together.

As the event was hosted by the Christian organization and church, every element around the venue bore symbols of hope, glory and longing of the reign of the Kingdom of God himself over Indonesia. Hundreds of banners were waved in reference to the God of the Christians with different kinds of symbols on each banner. When I looked around and looked closer at the banners the Christian hosts were waving, I recognise the symbols, the meaning and the messages that were waved through the air that night.

A banner of the rose of Sharon was a symbol of Jesus Christ himself. With every wave of this banner, a glimpse of hope that the sweet scent and beauty of the rose of Sharon will fill the nation was expressed. A banner with a crown as a symbol of the King of kings expresses the longing of the just King of heaven to rule over the country. Names of the God of Israel were on other banners, such as Jehovah Nissi (God who fights for me), Jehovah Jireh (God who provides) and Jehovah Shalom (God is my peace).

In the audience I saw hundreds of people waving banners of the colour of the Indonesian flag, red and white, with symbols in the middle. Symbols of a crown, a royal staff and other symbols taken from the Bible, particularly from the Book of Revelation, to honour the king of heavens, were seen.

The event was opened by percussions and the sounding of a Shofar, followed by the ringing of a church bell. The meaning of the Shofar and the church bell was explained by the Moslem leader, Gus Wicaksono, who shortly after the sounding of the Shofar and the church bell said a prayer to the God whom he referred to as  the God of Abraham, Isaac and his descendent Jacob a.k.a. Israel, Ishmael and his descendent Muhammad. In his explanation he told a story of a boy who later became the Commander in Chief of Jakarta’s military area who asked what the meaning of the church bell ringing was. The answer was to call people to enter life. The sounding of the Shofar and the ringing of the church bell at the beginning of the event was exactly to do that – to call people to enter life.

People who were not Christians could easily miss all of the beautiful symbols and messages expressed in every detail you can find throughout the event. But those who understand were silently absorbing each message which made their hearts a place for God to rain down and be present among the people. Yes, God was present. You can feel the deep feeling of peace, warmth and a different, wonderful presence of Somebody throughout the event.

Just after the sounding of the Shofar and the ringing of the church bell, hundreds of doves were released into the air. A dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus came out of the water after he was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended over Him in a form of a dove.

Torches brought in by children were lit up surrounding the fields. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus said in the Bible and the torches were symbolizing prayers that in the end Indonesia would bring light to overcome darkness in the whole world.

Five leaders of the biggest religions in Indonesia went on stage to say their prayers, leaders of the Hindus, Buddhist, Moslems, Catholics and Christians. Only 2 of them left a deep impression in the audience. The first was the prayer of the Moslem leader, Gus Wicaksono. He interceded for the country and asked the “God of Abraham” for forgiveness on behalf of the small radical group who had attacked again. He mentioned Jesus Christ with the Christian version ‘Jesus’ as opposed to the Muslim version ‘Isa’ (fyi the Jewish version is ‘Yeshua’.) and prayed that the “God of Abraham and Jesus” would not turn His back against Indonesia and punish the nation for their sins. He asked to heal the land and restore what the country has damaged, and reviving the people, so that Indonesians will be the “salt of the earth” to bring meaning to the lives of the people all over the world instead of destroying lives.

The other prayer that left even a bigger impression was offered by the Christian leader Petrus Hadi. Many leaders of great churches in the whole world have come to Indonesia to prophecy that the country will rise and walk in God’s glory and live in abundance, becoming a blessing to other nations, becoming exporters of missionaries rather than terrorists. Petrus Hadi was one of all the Christians under the synod JKI that believed in it. He spoke blessings over Indonesia and prayed that Indonesia would rise and live in abundance as rich and developed as first world countries – if not richer. He prayed that Indonesia would rise out of their poverty, illiteracy, and all the things that have held them back. As the other four leaders offered their prayer while standing, Petrus Hadi was kneeling on stage, humbling himself before the King of heavens.

Prayers in the form of poems, songs and narration to a play were offered. The last Marriot and Ritz Carlton bombings were to be the last one ever. No more tearing this country apart. We prayed for the government that they be equipped with wisdom, skills, knowledge and God Himself to fight against violence and everything that has destroyed Indonesia for so long.

The whole event was fully packed with songs of prayers and hope for the new Indonesia. The lyrics of the songs were projected on the screens next to the stage so that people were able to sing along. The greatest strength of Indonesia showed up in the event. Indonesian people have a strong sense in solidarity and brotherhood. That is the main reason why there has not been any social revolution despite the fact that unemployment rate has reached nearly 35%. Families stick together, taking care of each other. Even if you are only living as a neighbour in the same village, you are a member of the family. The strong bond and unity was felt strongly during the event.

As one of the singers on stage presented motivational songs, people sang along with one strong united voice, determined to change the prayer in the song into reality. Go to this post to download the songs in the event and also to read the lyrics of the songs.

The prayer event started at about 5 pm. Every soul who cared about Indonesia in Jakarta gathered to sing and pray with the President of Indonesia.

Little did they know that exactly at the same time, at 5pm, far away in Central Java, the police surrounded a house that was a base camp of the South East Asia militant Islamic terrorist, Noordin M. Top. Noordin M. Top, a Malaysian who was the brain behind all the bomb attacks in Indonesia was hurt in the shooting that occurred later that night. The next morning, the news was filled with the first victory of Indonesia as Noordin M. Top and his men were announced dead.

Indonesia believes that God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel is here on this land. Indonesia believes that it will rise up with His love and power and become a powerful influence in the world. I have received oppositions by western cynics who do not believe that this will ever happen. But millions of Christians of Indonesia believe it wholeheartedly and that is enough faith to make it come to pass.

“Sumpah Pemuda” was a declaration on Oct 28, 1928 by young Indonesian nationalists to proclaim one motherland, one nation, one language. The declaration was known as the Youth Pledge or “Sumpah Pemuda”.

During the Dutch colonization, the political movement of “adu domba” (playing one against the other) seperated the people of the land which at the time was known as the Dutch East Indies. Indonesia is the biggest archipelagic state in the whole world, comprised of 17,000 islands… united (if not seperated) by oceans, seas and straits. We have hundreds of different cultures and 300 different languages and dialects; not to mention the different beliefs and religion the people embrace. Given the rich diversity Indonesia has, it is very easy to disunite the people. It is the one thing that was an advantage taken by the Dutch.

The politics of “adu domba” by the Dutch made it possible for them to stay on our soil for 350 years until at one point in history, the young generation of 1928 arose and basically declared unity, having learned the fact that “Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh”, which means “United we stand, divided we fall.”

In today’s Indonesia, it has a different setting. Unlike the generation of 1928, digital Indonesia of 2009 is not facing colonizing “adu domba” politics. Today’s generation just started to experience real freedom from 350 years of colonization and 32 years of dictatorship. This is the first generation that actually has a more vague memory of the fear and terror of past defeat by both colonial domination and tyrannt government.

Shortly after the new freedom in 1998, fear and terror of another type of domination, Islamic radicals’, almost overcame them. After the last bombing in 2004, thanks to the great work of the government and the help of Australia, the generation of Indonesia Unite finally got to embrace their new freedom… for 5 years… and two new bombs shook Indonesia.

Although still learning how to handle new freedom and young democracy, a fresh sense of nationalism and anger arose. It was only after they tasted a little bit of freedom, that they understood what it meant to have it taken away from them. Indonesia Unite didn’t rise 5 years ago when the first terrorist attacks happened. It rose only after Indonesians tasted freedom, so that they refuse to live without it anymore.

Against colonial domination or terror by Islam radicals, the same spirit of unity has grown in young Indonesians empowering this generation to stand for their country and actually make a difference, just as they did in 1928.

Back to the question by the interviewer, “Is Indonesia Unite ‘Sumpah Pemuda’ reborn?” In terms of promoting unity, yes. But the movement Indonesia Unite has yet to prove that with the size of the masses and supporters (which is growing every minute) they are actually doing far greater things than what was done in 1928.

Although I would be most honored to be historically recorded as being involved in something like “Sumpah Pemuda” reborn, Indonesia Unite still needs to concretely act and build on this spirit to actually be considered in the same level.

Within only 2 hours, #indonesiaunite became the number one trending topic on Twitter. The person behind the Indonesiaunite movement on Twitter is unknown but after talking to Alex Abimanyu, one supporter of this movement that was interviewed by the Indonesian national news channel MetroTV, I realized that there are many independent individuals arising online to support the new movement by Indonesia’s digital generation. It is the movement of “Indonesia Bersatu”, which means “Indonesia Unite!”.

This movement is a call to unite all intellectuals, professionals, students and so on, young and old,  whoever cares to fight terrorism and finally free this country from economic, political and social destruction. This country has worked hard for the past 5 years to get back on its feet again after being attacked by terrorists between 2002-2004.

It is not enough that Indonesians had to struggle to recover from these attacks in the past, they also had to face the world’s judgement as in their eyes, 240 million people of Indonesia were seen as guilty with the attackers. One example of this is the Twitter account of Sasha Lowe, an African-American woman living in the US (her Twitter account has now been deleted), who cursed all Indonesians for this attack. In one of her tweets she said that Indonesians look like monkeys anyways and they all had to be killed.

On Nov 7th, 2008, the Bali bombers of 2002 were finally executed. 8 months later, July 2009, another bombing attack hit two American luxury hotels, JW Marriot and Ritz-Carlton. The people behind the attacks? Most likely from the same militant network headed by a Malaysian.

Today, investigators have found evidence that the two attacks was masterminded by Noordin Top, a Malaysian who heads a breakaway faction of the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah. Read the whole story of the investigation here. The Indonesian government is working together with Malaysia to capture him.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s digital generation join forces to prepare a greater and stronger movement to fight for this country’s freedom of fear and terror. One Indonesian started a Twitter account. Another started a Facebook fan page. Then there is a Facebook group and also the website of the movement.

The Indonesia Unite movement has been all over the news in Indonesia, MetroTV and the Jakarta Post have covered the spirit of young digital Indonesian ready to act and defend this country. Digital Indonesia hope to spread the word to the world that they are not the same as a few people under the Malaysian head of a militant Islam network in South East Asia, and they are not afraid.

Alex Abimanyu who was interviewed by MetroTV expressed his plan to use the joined voices of Indonesia unite to save this country from becoming a nest of the Malaysian network of suicide bombers. In his phone conversation with me, he explained how it was a surprise for him to be interviewed by MetroTV as the instigator of this movement was not exactly him. But who it was is not important. It seems that Indonesians have one mind and one heart one opinion regarding the attacks and it has produced one great movement from different individual souls of Indonesians (or fans of Indonesia) which has come together and synergized.

IndonesiaToGo.com has decided to support this movement as well. We will keep bringing real news about the real people of real Indonesia to the world, along with other necessary support to get this country back to its feet and rise beyond any attempt of domination by anybody. Every move will be updated here on IndonesiaToGo.com.

We had 350 years of colonization and 32 years of dictatorship. Nothing shall control our lives any longer, especially not those God-forsaken terrorists! Arise, Indonesia! Enough is enough!

How can a land with 240 million people go straight from colonisation by the Dutch to a 37 year dictatorship mixed with attacks from radicals and always being dominated by someone else dictating their way of life and putting them in international isolation without feeling the need to take matters into their own hands?

I don’t get it.

However, on Twitter there has been a new channel called Indonesia Unite and I have come accross this button:

If you are on Twitter, follow us as well on Indonesia To Go.

Also check out the following for latest developments in the movement:

Indonesia Unite on Twitter
Indonesia Unite .NET

However, SBY still urged that this be given top priority in investigation to find out what the bombing was really about. It may be related to the presidential election but it may also be another Islamist terrorist attack after 5 years of peace since the last bombing in 2004.

Indonesia has fought hard against Islamist terrorist, helped by foreign governments, especially Australia. Here is a quote of the Australian online news, the Australian.

No country has done more, or better, than Indonesia in fighting Islamist terrorism. There have been hundreds of arrests, dozens of transparent trials that have educated a sceptical Indonesian public about the intentions and capabilities of the Islamist groups. Hundreds of people have gone to jail long-term. A society-wide consensus has been forged against terrorism. The biggest and most influential Islamic groups all condemn terrorism without qualification.

Indonesia has not done all this to please Washington, still less to please Australia. The nation has taken this stand because it reflects Indonesia’s values and interests and identity.

Indonesia is not a permissive environment for terrorism.

Yet seven years after the Bali bombings, Islamist terrorists can still blow up a five-star hotel, the JW Marriott which they bombed five years ago.

Here is the full translation of SBY’s speech on the Jakarta Bombings at the press conference, Friday afternoon.

Greetings to everyone,

My fellow countrymen and women, to all Indonesians that I love, wherever you are. Today is a black dot in our history [as a nation]. Once again, there has been an attack or a bombing committed by terrorists in Jakarta. It is suspected to have been committed by a group of terrorists, although it may not necessarily be the same terrorism network that we have realized cause nothing but sufferings and troubles that all Indonesians have had to bear.

This barbaric act has brought about innocent casualties as well. Therefore, on this opportunity, on behalf of the country and the government, and as a person, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. To all the victims, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My fellow countrymen and women, the inhuman and thoughtless bombing occurred just when our nation had held its presidential election and while the General Elections Commission (KPU) is still tallying the votes. It has greatly disrupted the security and peace of the country while people want a safe, peaceful and conducive situation. People want the conclusion of the 2009 General Elections to be the starting point for us to unite and rebuild our country for the sake of all Indonesian people.

The bombing was committed when people were still concerned with political brouhaha at the elite level, also — as I have been noticing everyday — with provocative remarks that maintain heated and hostile circumstances, which is not the aspiration of the people who fulfilled their political duties a few weeks ago.

My fellow countrymen and women, I believe almost all of us feel sympathy and sadness, and cry inside, as I do now. Indeed, there are few people who are laughing and screaming in delight, satisfying their maddening anger. These few people, heartless and careless for the destruction of our country from terrorism, do not care about the vast implications of their brutality toward our economy, business climate, tourism, image in the world and many other factors.

Presently, my brothers and sisters, beside us, the government is performing emergency response measures to treat the victims of the bombing. An investigation is on the way as well. I have received a preliminary report of the ongoing investigation. After I read the report, I instructed the Chief of Police, the National Intelligence Agency and other related state institutions to conduct a proper and thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

I believe, as we have discovered before, that the perpetrators and the people who masterminded this terror will be apprehended and we will prosecute them under the law. I have instructed law enforcers to prosecute anyone involved. Whoever he or she is, from whatever political rank and background.

This morning, I have received many statements, or reminders, that made me theorize, or at least be concerned, that this terrorism is related to the result of the presidential election. I would respond like this — that we should not point our fingers, or blame someone without proof. All theories and speculations must be proven in court. Our country is a lawful country, as well as a democratic one. Therefore, the norms of law and democracy must be enacted properly. If someone is guilty under the law, then we could say that the person is guilty.

I must say for the first time to all Indonesians that during the series of legislative and presidential elections in 2009, there were several intelligence reports that were gathered by law enforcers. Once again, this information has never been made public. The report showed a group of terrorists had practiced shooting at my picture, SBY’s picture, as a target. Let me show you.

This is a video recording of them practicing shooting. Two men are shooting with handguns. This is the target. And this is my picture, and they are aiming approximately at my face. This is the intelligence report, with video tape and pictures. It is not a slander, nor an issue. I received the report several moments ago. It is still related to the intelligence that acknowledged there is a plan to commit violence or actions against the law in relation to the election result.

There was also a plan to occupy the office of the General Elections Commission when the result is to announced. There was a statement that there would be a revolution if SBY wins. This is an intelligence report, not rumors, nor gossip. Other statements said they wished to turn Indonesia into [a country like] Iran. And the last statement said that no matter what, SBY should not and would not be inaugurated. You can interpret such threats, and the tens of other intelligence reports that are currently in the hands of our law enforcers.

This morning, just like I used to do, I wanted to come personally to the location [of the attack]. But the Chief of Police and others suggested I should wait, since the area was not yet secure. And danger could come at any time, especially with all of the threats I have shown you. Physical threats.

Surely, life and death is in God’s hands. I should not worry and be restrained in doing my duty to the people, to this country. Since presidential security is borne by the Indonesian Armed Forces, I believe the armed forces have taken the precautions needed. To all intelligence reports, whether they are related to the bombing or not, I have instructed to all law enforcers to perform their duties correctly, objectively, decisively and lawfully.

If the threats are not related to today’s bombing, they still need to be prevented, because anarchy, violence, vandalism and all other crimes are not the characteristics of a democratic and lawful country, obviously. For all of this, I, as the president, condemn the brutal act of terrorism. I also feel very sorry about the incident. Perhaps, or usually, during times like this, many of us are afraid to express our scorns or condemnations due to political considerations. On the other hand, I must say it loud and clear, as my mandate as the president.

Why do I have to feel very sorry? First of all, you all know that for the last five years, our economy has been growing rapidly. Business, tourism, food self-sufficiency, investment, trade, real sectors, have all been moving favorably regardless of the global crisis. Secondly, during the last week alone, our stock exchange index were improving drastically and our Rupiah was strengthening [against US dollar] as well. With the growing economy, the welfare of our people was developing also, including the execution of poverty and unemployment eradication programs, which I usually mention as the Pro-People Program.

All that has happened, my beloved brothers and sisters of Indonesia, is because in the last couple of years, our country has been truly safe and peaceful. In addition to the economic growth, our people throughout the country can work and live their lives in peace, free from fear. Meanwhile, the reputation of our country in the world is increasing as the world sees our country to be more safe, organized and peaceful. Our country has a blooming democracy and improved human rights implementation, a developing country that plays its role globally. Even, and this is a sad part, if the bombing did not occur, a legendary football club, Manchester United, would have played in Jakarta.

My fellow countrymen and women, with all of these brutal and thoughtless acts of terrorism, what we have built in the last five years with the labor and sweat of all Indonesians, once again must endure another shake and setback. Implications, once again, must be borne by all Indonesians, minus the bombers.

Therefore, truth and justice will be served. I swear, for the sake of my beloved Indonesians, that the government will execute proper and decisive punishments to the bombers, including the mastermind and organizers, and for other crimes that might or could happen on our country nowadays.

To the Indonesian Police Force, Indonesian Armed Forces and National Intelligence Agency, also the governors, district chiefs and mayors, I would like to ask you to remain on high-alert status and strive to prevent terrorism. More importantly, the law enforcers must truly seek, capture and prosecute the perpetrators, organizers, and masterminds behind this violence. Maybe some of them have committed crimes, assassination or murders and gotten away with these crimes, but this time we will not let them become Draculas and death-mongers in our country.

I realize that for the last five years, police have frequently prevented and stopped terrorism actions. Confiscating explosive materials, uncovering several terrorism networks, even though today’s bombing has happened, a disaster that has torn the security and reputation of our country and nation. To prevent and exterminate terrorism, and other crimes properly, the intelligence [agency] must be very sharp. Prevention must be very effective. The police, the intelligence agency, the armed forces must unite in a complete synergy. Negligence and ignorance must be discarded. This is our mandate given by the people, for our country.

To all Indonesians, as you increase public alertness, stay at your work and live your lives normally. If something suspicious happens, call the police. Don’t let terrorists and their masterminds lurk in your neighborhood. You can fall prey to their actions at any time if they are allowed to mastermind further terror in our country.

For the future, I encourage all Indonesians and all elements of the nation to unite and stand together in protecting the safety and peace of this country. No country and no religion condones terrorism, whatever the motives and reasons are. Don’t hesitate, nor be afraid, in preventing and exterminating terrorism. Meanwhile, the terror we had today should never break our spirit and endeavor to build and to advance our country.

We must keep on fighting to better our economy, politics, democracy, human rights implementation, law enforcement, regional development, people’s welfare and so on. The fact is that there is a major catastrophe due to today’s act of terrorism. But we will make it right together, and we shall rise and move forward again. We, the nation, the country and the people, shall not falter nor cave in to terrorism. No violence, extremism, and other crimes shall continue to live on this country.

God Almighty, Allah SWT, shall protect and save our lives. With God’s blessings, I assure you, my brothers and sisters of Indonesia, that I shall stand right up front to face the clear and present danger and to carry out the hard, yet noble, mandate you have given to me.

Thank you,

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Mike Dammann interviewed.

Jakarta, Indonesia has been without a major attack for 5 years and this has happened only a few days after the general election. The president went on the air and in a press conference told the country not to jump to conclusions.

The bomb layer has been captured on video, but his identity is not yet clear.

What is obvious is that the targets have been selected to make an international statement.

Many of my business partners have been to the Ritz Carlton and the Marriott Hotel restaurants to have breakfast with colleagues and business partners and of course, the attackers knew that attacking two major American hotel chains would make it to the international news.

I was interviewed for both, American radio and newspapers such as Jakarta Globe as well as Indonesian television about subjects such as how this might change international investor relations. The way I look at it is that Indonesians need to take charge of their country and learn to take new responsibility as in the past there has been a dictatorship. Now in a democracy, the country is still young and this needs to be recognized as a stepping stone to show the world that this country is on the right track and will prosecute the attackers to the fullest and use this as a milestone to show terrorists that they do not have any place within the society.

Jakarta is now quiet.

It wasn’t this morning. We will continue writing more about this on Indonesiatogo.com.

What surprises me is how people in Indonesia are so quiet about it. Driving back to my place here in the outskirts of Jakarta and passing the crime scene once again, it seems as if nothing has happened and people here are so busy with their everyday life trying to survive, that this is not even that big of a deal to them.

This is what happens when people are being kept at an existence minimum. They are not interested in the events happening on earth, even when one of the main events in the world happened only half a mile from their house. Whether or not this government is able to put this to an end which is satisfactory to the rest of the world is yet to be seen, but whether or not the government makes this a priority and successfully goes after the attackers, is going to have a huge impact on the future of Indonesia.

The government is mostly Muslim, but also has Christians and while some of the members of parliament are eager to change the country, others are willing to turn blind eyes to events which should be given priority.

This is a good vs evil sort of battle. What I am missing in the press conference from the President is anger. I would be outraged and I am. He seemed very calm, but then again, the mentality of Indonesians is less adrenalized than let’s say people from the US. I am more interested in hearing from powerful Indonesians in regards as to what they think their government needs to do different to not let this happen again, but so far I have only heard from Theo, a Christian member of the Indonesian parliament vehemently expressing the need of Indonesians to take action against people who want to set the country back.

Locally the theories regarding the attack range from people wanting to destroy the economy of Indonesia to Islam radicals to people who are upset about the outcome of the recent election.

On video the bomber was seen and it appeared to be that he easily walked by security despite of the fact that normally you cannot even bring a laptop in there without it being examined, but this guy just walked past and it makes you wonder who got paid what to allow him to have access to one of the places which has already been victim of a bombing attack in 2004 where over 100 people lost their lives.

Back then it was a Muslim radicals group. A new anti terror squad has been created back then with a lot of help with the Australian Federal Police which Indonesians appear to credit with a lot of the positive changes and also additional training for Indonesian army and police forces to be better prepared and able to prevent future attacks. British and American help have also been provided and cooperation between Indonesia and the rest of the world appeared to be at an alltime high.

Mike Dammann in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Jakarta.

Mike Dammann in front of JW Marriot, Jakarta.

Mike Dammann interviewed by an Indonesian news channel.

Mike Dammann interviewed by Jakarta Globe.

Muara Angke is famous for its massive fish market. The explosion happened at the toll road exit to Muara Angke. There has not been any more detailed report about the third explosion on TV or internet yet. The focus of the media is currently more on the two luxury international hotels in Jakarta that had killed 8 people. The third explosion outside the local shopping complex in fish market Muara Angke has killed 2 people so far.

Indonesians are twittering about the three explosions. Expressions of shock, worries and confusion about what exactly is going on are colouring the tweets of Jakarta’s twitterers. We still don’t know what caused the car explosion in Muara Angke.

As this post is written, Indonesia’s news channel Metro TV has reported 8 people killed, 2 of whom victims of the Ritz Carlton hotel and the rest of the JW Marriot. Many are now worried about what exactly this explosions are all about. As BBC News reports in the video below, the world including Indonesia asks how these explosions impact Indonesia’s reputation in South East Asia for the past 5 years for being a role model in terms of new democracy. Indonesia has just held their presidential election peacefully 2 weeks before.

“The country of 240 million people has been praised in recent years for maintaining a pluralist democracy while finding and punishing radical Islamists responsible for a series of bombings five years ago,” BBC reports.

Unlike the bombings by terrorists 5 years ago, these explosions came from within the two buildings. The terrorist attacks in the past used a parked car outside buildings. Police are now investigating how the explosions happened and if it was by bombs, how they could pass through security guards and explode from within the buildings.

The last terrorist bombings in Jakarta hit the Australian embassy in 2004 but ever since, a combination of new law, anti-terror training, and international cooperation have kept Indonesia peaceful the past 5 years. This morning’s explosions have kept many Indonesians worrying whether this is another terrorist attack or related to the re-election of Indonesia’s president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (a.k.a. SBY).