Rice munching primates

At least that's what one of them think about us, Indonesians. Slurrings and racism rants towards Indonesian is a result of shocking verdict of Schapelle Corby, who was found guilty of possessing about 4.2 kg of marijuana in her surf board bag in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. As most, not all, public opinions said that they believe Schapelle is innocent. The scoldings and curses have turned into a wider layer, public petition to boycott Bali and even Qantas for not providing a crucial evidence to prove Schapelle's innoncence.

The unfortunate lady was -as said by the public- a victim of big syndicate of drugs smugglers, who oftenly use traveller's bags to transfer illegal drugs between cities in Australia. There has been some investigation about the bag-handlers in Australian airports, but until now there hasn't any proof found and linked to Corby's case. There are some aspects that attached to her verdict. First, the reputation of Indonesian justice systems and courts which are shadowed by corruption practice, money power and just simply politics. Second, the arresting of Bali 9 where the vibe of politics is strong. Then, I might say, the last, is the profile of Schapelle herself. Her illuminating figures as beauty therapy student is supporting her image that drag more people to believe and argue for her, that she's just an innocent victim. Even Derryn Hinch, one of Australia's commentator and radio host, quoted
"the 27-year-old Gold Coast beauty student had become a cause celebre in Australia because of her sex, appearance and a well-oiled PR campaign". He also said:

"I think she's a far more worldly girl than which has been depicted in Australia," he says. "I said I believed that Corby has been championed in Australia becuase she was young and pretty and white and Australian and had big boobs, and I stand by it."

and...

"What the public are seeing here, the veteran broadcaster says, is an extraordinary defence-by-media, rather than the trial-by-media we're used to. And it's been so successful purely because she's portrayed as a "beautiful, innocent young woman."

Anyway, those three aspects are enough to drawn a wide and big reaction from Australian public. As most of them support Corby's innocence, they were shocked and disgusted by the court's decision last Friday. While Corby's family couldn't resist their anger and disappointment after hearing the three judges' decision, the sparks in Australia has sunk into a different level. Many, of those who are angry with the verdicts, calling a boycott to Bali. Asking the other Australians to cancel and not to spend anymore holiday in Bali, or buying Indonesian products. Online forums, chat rooms and even online petitions have created a public dislike towards Indonesian people in general. In some or most of the comments were just over the line. From sending nuke to Indonesia, hoping for another tsunami (which they won't send any aid anymore), asking refund for the aid for last December tsunami appeal where 300,000 Indonesians perished, to stupid ideas about invading Indonesia and destroying our economy.

Now, if we can just take a moment to think about it. Is it right to do such things? Apart from the fact whether Corby is guilty or not, do you think we have rights to commit such actions? We might scold our government or other governments because we are not satisfied with their jobs. But having boycott or even hating other nations based on racism is just over the line. What they don't realize that they're acting worse that the people they hate by being so stupid and racist. It is really hurting me for reading those racism comments against us. They have every right in the world to dislike the justice system in Indonesia, to hate the three judges but those racism slogans towards us is not necessary.

I don't have any grudge againts Corby or Australians in general. Even there are some incidents between Indonesian Government and Australian Government, it never reduce my respects for the Australian people. However it's really shocking seeing the public reaction about Corby's case. She still have chance for appeal for crying out loud. Even they have had a verdict, it's not final yet. There are still some hopes and ways to make a better outcome about this case.

Thankful for those who said more positive comments about Corby's case. Even some of them have taken a different point of view. Some interesting blog entries about not to boycott Bali, including the weight of the bag. She made some interesting points tho, and one of them is about the idea of another mule. Of course these are one-sided and are not back-up by any professional evidence. I'm just giving a chance for you all to read a different type of opinion.

But of course, I'm agree that the way the Indonesian Police handle the case was quite unprofessional, ignoring the crucial moment to secure any evidence. It might be reviewed as same incident of Chika Honda's case in 1992.

Anyway, in my opinion, there is no need to slur any racist slogans. I know some might or will link this to those trial of Bali Bombing where hundreds of Australians were killed. While the dead counts were just shocking, it is also shocking to hear that some of the people involved in the bombing only got about 10 years jail, etc. Well, what can I say? It's not simple as playing paper folding, it's politics, it's dark, deep and disgustiing. Oh, well I've typed too much here, now let me rest in my warm bed and listening to Frank Sinatra. LOL.

"Race hate isn't human nature; race hate is the abandonment of human nature."
George Orson Welles