Dissenting voices in Indonesia

The Straits Times, May 29, 2007



'By forging a defence pact with Singapore, Indonesia is indirectly grooming a young serigala (wolf) which would one day spring a surprise attack on the country.'
HAJI TAMIN of the Prosperous Justice Party


'We arrest our fishermen who use bombs to fish in our waters. But now we want to let Singapore bomb our waters with guided missiles.'
MR PUPUNG SUHARIS of the Indonesian Democratic Party - Struggle (PDI-P)

'We allow Singapore to conduct military exercises in our territory. But behind them are military advisers from the United States and Israel.'
MR PERMADI of the PDI-P


'Indonesia may have hurt the feelings of Malaysia by allowing Singapore to conduct military training in our territory. Singapore has four divisions, including a rapid deployment force. Singapore soldiers can enter Johor in less than two hours.'
RETIRED GENERAL THEO SYAFII of the PDI-P


'Singapore spends 5 per cent of its GDP on defence compared to Indonesia's 1-over per cent. It doesn't make sense that it spends so much on buying sophisticated weapons just to deal with terrorism. Who is its security threat? Is it Indonesia, its closest neighbour?'
MR ABDILLAH THOHA of the National Mandate Party