JAMES NACHTWEY—VII FOR TIME

HELPING HAND: An Australian doctor tends to a wounded patient in Aceh

Treat Them Like Kings
	Our culture says we cannot tell aid workers to leave
	By Endy Bayuni

Posted Monday, January 17, 2005; 20:00 HKT
The world should be forgiven for thinking that we Indonesians are an ungrateful lot. After the massive outpouring of sympathy and the generous donations by individuals and governments around the globe in the wake of the tsunami, we seem to be turning our back on them. We, or rather our government, are doing this even as we take their money and ask for yet more aid to help us cope.

The Indonesian government has told foreign military forces on humanitarian missions in Aceh to target March 26 as their departure date, and has limited the movement of foreign aid workers. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says he is grateful for the world's help, but by imposing these measures the government is yielding to the suspicions and distrust of conservative politicians and military elements in Jakarta. These narrow-minded folk are questioning the presence of foreign service members on Indonesian soil and the motivation of Christian-based relief organizations, implying that there's a conspiracy to convert predominantly Muslim Aceh. Such suspicions show that many Indonesians still live and think within a parochial, sectarian box. It is a xenophobic strain of patriotism—the worst kind.

Those who fear a Christianization program in Aceh underestimate the province's Muslims. Aceh boasts the nickname "Veranda of Mecca" because its people rank among the most devout Muslims anywhere in the world. Besides, Islam teaches that people of any religion who do good deeds earn the grace of Allah. If Muslims fear the influence of Christianity so much, then they should match the deeds of the Christian aid organizations, not stop them from coming to give a hand to the people of Aceh. As for the argument that the rules restricting movement have been imposed merely to protect foreign aid workers from being kidnapped or shot at by rebels—it's unconvincing in the absence of any major incident of lives being endangered or threatened. Our government should realize that foreign military forces are not going to spend a day longer than necessary in our territory, and that most foreign aid groups will move to the next disaster zone after completing their work here. They know when to leave, and they should be trusted with that decision.

Indonesians are taught to treat guests with respect and honor. (Islam says you should treat your guests as Kings.) We are also taught that it is rude to ask guests when they will leave; and even ruder to tell them to leave. Given their noble missions in Aceh, foreign troops and aid workers are our special guests. The government has embarrassed Indonesia by pandering to the demands of a handful of politicians who do not reflect the sentiments of most Indonesians. We are thankful for—and are humbled by—the global response to the tragedy in Aceh. And that is the message we should be sending the world.

Endy Bayuni is editor in chief of the Jakarta Post

	Language Lessons [Jan. 17, 2005] In the wake of Asia's disaster, the world learns to choose its words carefully Race Against Time [Jan. 17, 2005] An inside look at the rush to beat disease, hunger and the destruction of the tsunami Naming the Dead [Jan. 17, 2005] Relatives and scientists turn to the grim task of identifying victims Global Agenda: Comforting Strangers [Jan. 17, 2005] Lessons to be learned from the world's generosity In the Wake of Tragedy [Jan. 10, 2005] On the morning of Dec. 26, an earthquake off Sumatra was followedby a massive tsunami. Asia's suffering touched the world Europe: Lost In The Waves [Jan. 10, 2005] The tsunami engulfed Europe too, as millions grieved for those caught in its maw and looked for ways to help How To Help [Jan. 10, 2005] A guide to donating and how to contact relief organizations on the ground More Related Items | Search all issues of TIME Magazine