[pistons92] Re: Pak Indi,mohon info tentang teroris di Irlandia Utara,aka IRA.

Quoting Hasta Purnama <h.purnama@xxxxxxxxxxxx>:

I do not know how close you guys following the IRA problem. It was far more 
complicated than a mere IRA. During the formation of UK in the 16th century, 
Ireland was obviusly one of the hotly contested area. Some people would like to 
join the union (until now they are called unionist) which was started by the 
orange dynasty of Netherland. (Present day european monarch are interlink as 
family; until 1st worldwar, the surename of English monarch is Sachburg-Gotha 
as they are originally part Kingdom of Hannover monarch. During the war the 
name Windsor was assumed). Those who was not happy with the english rule since 
16th century transform themselves to be present day republican. The problem was 
worsened duing the Irish famine of 18-19th century (the background of Rob Roy 
saga and film "Far and Away") where irish people emigrate to the US. Hence 
overseas irish still in touch with their ancestral home. (How far is the 
involvement, I do not know). Bill Clinton (He is an Irish decent) peace 
initiative was the most high profile.

In early 20th century, all sect (there are more than one type unionist) and 
republican formed paramilitary wing to fight one another. IRA is only one of 
them. And it is not the only one that still active. (Eventhough IRA is much 
better organised with proper fire-arm). The people themselves are not really 
happy with the arm fight. But it does not stop them to be in logger head with 
one another along the religious and political allegiance. Early 2002, there was 
an incident lasting for months where a catholic school in protestant dominated 
residential area was sieged by the protestant since the catholic parents (of 
the school children, of course) was perceived to be too defiant by the local.

In the heyday of social unrest of the 60s-70s, the act of terrorism did 
escalate badly. But in the nineties it is generally much quiter. The most 
serious was Omagh Bombing incident in 2000 (if I remember correctly) where 
about 25 people died and wounded.

In short, Irish mess is just a product of hundred of years of disharmony. 
(Molluca might lead to the same fate in the long run). Thus, it is impossible 
for present day UK government to sort it. Since a couple years ago (if I 
remember corectly 1999 or 2000) the UK government tried to have a decentralised 
government for the Irish people consisting of the political parties in Northern 
Ireland. The squable is still going on. As a result the NI assembly was 
disolved several time. (Currently it is being dissolved for Sinn-Fein is 
perceived to be suporting IRA violent). Generally speaking NI is quite under 
control. The military presence has been greatly reduce since the local assembly 
was formed. Many incidents involving the armed forces in the 70s is also being 
investigated. So, what we are doing in Indonesia is far behind. (It's a bit 
stupid to tell the UK government to get lost and mend their own NI back yard 
since it is nothing compare to Indonesia)


Iraqi and other activity that is perceived to be UK meddling with other 
people's nation actually part of upholding UK national interest. (Again it is 
stupid to say that UK can't do that. It won't happen if those country does not 
let it to happen).

1. Perceived terrorist threat is real in the western world.  Being none other 
than act of madness born out of jealousy, it can take place anywhere anytime. 
Honestly, many people (including moslem) are actually in the receiving end of 
the current mess. (I am not talking about mis-treatment that is widely exposed 
in Indonesia). Although terrorism is not brought world economics to its knee by 
itself, it makes the problem worse. It results unemployement among many people, 
unfortunately many of them are moslem. 

2. Without being racist or SARA, I must say that many people tend to think that 
they are branded as terrorist for coming from a certain background. 
Unfortunately, the circumstancial evidence is like that. In the UK, the 
resurgence of moslem fundamentalism is more serious than the NI problem. As 
Republic of Ireland economy is getting better (hence the NI) the NI problem 
become less serious. On the other hand many Pakistanis, and Bangladeshi are 
still not fully integrated which made them a kind of economic outcast. Here the 
clasic case of poverty and extremism can be clearly seen. (Many mosque that is 
known to be the breeding ground of mad, jealous young people situated in 
poverty stricken area). Similar factor-the poverty- can be seen in Indonesia 
and middle east. Even the Kingdom of Saud has 3000 unemployed university 
graduate! (Partly it was their own doing for going to university to study 
subject that is not compatible for getting a job)

I do not like to say all of these but I am sure you guys are mature enough to 
see the fact. People who live reasonable life (not in poverty) would be less 
paranoid about their backgroud, hence more difficult to be moved as pawn.

Within this context, a number overseas intervention was carried out. Presently 
UK even got secretary (menteri senior di Indonesia) for international 
development.

3. Saddam Huessein (like Qathafi) is surely seen as a mad man with country on 
their feet. Eventhough many european (and British) characteriscally against 
Iraqi adventure the reasoning behind UK policy is quite reasonable. People are 
happy to lead their life without being affraid of terrorist retaliation. 
However, Iraq does seem to have some dangerous weapon in not too distant future 
which can be unleashed by a mad man.

4. Indonesia has always been seen as country with possible terorist breeding 
ground simply because it has so many uneducated people living in poverty. What 
happened since 98 is very plain to see. Mob can be mobilised easily to achieve 
any objective. I must say the current international affairs has put Indonesian 
people in much worse position. Just last week I could not go to Germany for a 
worshop simply because I could not get visa on time. Normally, visa is issued 
by embassy within 2 days since the application provided we can prove that we 
will be able to support ourselves during our stay in their country and that we 
are going back to the country of origin. These days, for Indonesian passport, 
visa must be granted from Berlin and that can takes at least 2 weeks. I must 
say that the Kuta incidence might downgrade us even further. So far, many 
western country has 5 countries in their watch list: Communist China, Possible 
terrorist Sudan, Libya, Iran and Iraq. I do hope Indonesia is not added to this 
list. 

Now, are we going to blame other people if we can not sort out our own 
household? Possibly some would say it is not nationalist to have such opinion 
but in the meantime the nationalism does not bring us anywhere. It hurts to 
learn the following facts:
1. Indonesia was the first asian nation taking part in the footbal world cup 
(as Dutch East Indies off course)
2. Households in the UK had to share basic sanitation (bathroom and toilet) as 
late as 1970s. Not much different from Indonesia in those years.
3. Until 1973, UK people can not afford to have holiday outside UK. (again 
Indonesia was not too far behind)
4. Singapore was mainly kampung during 1970s.
5. Petronas had to learn from Pertamina in its early years. The same can be 
said with Malaysian plantation. 




Cheers,


Indi H. Tristanto

Dept. Aero. and Auto. Eng. (AAE),       tel  : ++ (0)1509 227 242
Stewart Miller Building,                fax  : ++ (0)1509 227 275
West Park,                              email: I.H.Tristanto@xxxxxxxxxxx
Loughborough University,       
Loughborough,                
Leicestershire LE11 3TU         
United Kingdom

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