From:
Robert Salas
(Attached to the
U.S. Embassy in Jakarta for two years in the 90s, Robert
worked for the Federal Aviation Administration at that time,
and his job was assisting the Indonesian government with an
aircraft project.)
Subject:
June 1 Incident
Krishna:
I am writing to express my deep sympathies for the intolerable
attacks on your people on June 1 and to re-affirm our support to
the cause of insuring that the world public knows of the
deteriorating human rights situation in Indonesia. Please let
us know your ideas on how we can help. Marilyn and I will be
meeting with Carl and Jill in the coming week to discuss
possibilities. In advance of that meeting, please keep us
informed of your latest efforts and the response of the
government and any particular details that we should know.
Carl and I
spoke briefly about this and we are of the opinion that you
might consider going to your ashram in Bali for better safety
considerations. Please consider that possibility.
I agree with
your stance to object publicly and vigorously about the
injustices of the incident. With regard to the
political-religious aspect of the attempt by some radical groups
to bring a radical form of fundamentalist Islam to Indonesia, of
course I would not like to see that happen to your country.
However, right now, as you know better than I, Islamic
fundamentalism is being promoted and supported in many parts of
the world. This is a war for hearts and minds. I have no doubt
that these radical groups in Indonesia are intent on
transforming your government by force, if necessary, and have
the backing of outside forces. The question is, who in your
government is seriously opposing them and who are supporting.
You also have to consider the ugly aspect of the
corruption/seduction of government officials. You also need
to consider which media outlets have the courage to oppose
this. Also, what does the Islamic leadership have to say? In
other words, who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? As
history in other parts of the world will attest, this is a messy
and dangerous business.
Peace, my
friend
Robert
[top]
From:
Marilyn Salas
Sent: Thursday,
July 03, 2008 11:56 PM
To:
Consulate General of the Republic of
Indonesia in L.A. California, the United States
Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa – Ambassador of the Republic of
Indonesia to the United Nations
Trie Edie Mulyani – Consulate General of the Republic of
Indonesia in New York, the United States
Cc:
Various news
media and agencies in the United States
Subject:
Violent Act
Against Peace Demonstrators in Jakarta, Indonesia on 1 June
2008
Dear Honorable
Subijaksono Sujono,
My heart is heavy that I even feel so compelled to write this
letter...
I have known the writer of the attached letters (Part I and Part
II), Anand Krishna, since 1993. Anand Krishna ("Krishna"), as
you may know, is a very well-known spiritual leader and peace
advocate in Indonesia. I met Anand Krishna while my husband,
Robert Salas, and I were living in Indonesia in the early
1990's. We were attached to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta for two
years. (Robert worked for the Federal Aviation Administration
at that time, and his job was assisting the Indonesian
government with an aircraft project.) First, I must say, we
loved Indonesia...we loved the people of Indonesia, as well as
their rich and diverse cultures! We have had regular
communication with Krishna since that time, and Krishna has also
visited us here in our home in Ojai, located in Southern
California. To say the least, we have maintained a strong and
enduring friendship over these many years!
I am writing to you to bring to your attention a reported
horrific act of intolerance, brutality, and violence directed
against peace-loving citizens of Indonesia by 200 Muslim
extremists and radicals. My husband and I were both shocked
beyond words about this June 1st incident of aggression and
bodily harm, which was inflicted on innocent people who were
gathered only to celebrate peace and diversity, which is a
tenant in your country's Pancasila. And, to go further, this
incident apparently is not being handled with the appropriate
justice in prosecuting these criminals that is truly deserved.
I ask you to read the attached letters written by Krishna for
the details of the June 1st, 2008 incident in Jakarta. I plead
with you to please do what you can...whatever is in your power
to see that rightful and deserving justice be brought to pay for
this life-threatening attack....that those responsible for these
brutal acts remain in prison, and be judged by your courts...and
to insure that future peaceful demonstrations have sufficient
police protection. I am very, very concerned that my friend
Anand Krishna, his Ashram friends, and other peace leaders and
demonstrators, will be targets again for these criminal forces
of intolerance and harm....I am extremely concerned for their
safety!
I strongly appeal to you to do whatever you can to see that
sacred justice be served, to take steps to insure that innocent
people be protected, and that their rights as citizens of
Indonesia allow them to practice their belief system (either
publically or privately)...whatever that belief may be...that
these basic human rights be protected! The cherished freedom of
belief for all individuals in the diverse segments of societies
and cultures around the world, including the right to assemble
in peaceful ways, needs to be honored in every country of the
world....let Indonesia be the model for the world in supporting
and protecting these basic human rights...upholding the dignity
for each individual...upholding the dignity for all of humanity!
Most sincerely,
Marilyn Salas
Ph: 805.640.7101
Ojai, California
USA
[top]
From: Jill
Townsend,
Chairperson Council of Grandmothers, Ojai Chapter
“We will help!
We will write the letters. And PLEASE stay safe!!!! If you
are NOT safe - come back to your home in Ojai, California!
Love, Compassion, Kindness, Joy and Inner Peace are your
birthright - share them generously with all life and you
will experience heaven on earth, as will all you touch.
[top]
From:
Professor
Joyce Lebra, USA
I was
terribly shocked and saddened.. It is indeed a dangerous
situation there and I urge you and all your followers to
take great care. Wishing you all the blessings of the
Goddess and we who are peace loving.
[top]
From:
Carl Olmstead, Ojai (USA)
(I heard)
about the tragic events in Jakarta. so many beautiful people
injured and hurt. We are thinking of you and our hearts and
prayers go out to you and your people. I am so sorry to hear
what happened there. We are all sending you our prayers for
those injured in this brutal attack.
I know it is a difficult time, but please send us an email
letting us know your situation. I am thinking of you
constantly and praying for your safety and good health.
[top]
From:
Diane Silverster,
Ex Hollywood Artist
I am so,
so very sorry... Love to all I will send healing and light
to you. May God protect you on your holy journey toward
bringing peace and tolerance to open up hearts and minds to
the oneness.
Blessings, please keep in touch.
[top]
