Indonesians not terrorized, now sharing cute cop pics

CNN’s Anderson Cooper was stunned when he found Filipinos still laughing and smiling in Tacloban in the aftermath of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan). Indonesians appear no different.

Are they expressing outrage or calling for air strikes in the aftermath of a shocking terrorist attack in central Jakarta last January 14? Are they echoing fears of the Islamic State spreading its influence to Asia and the world’s largest Muslim country?

READ: At least 7 killed as suicide bombers attack Starbucks in Jakarta

No, our equally social media crazy neighbors are pointing out cute policemen in the pictures of the attack site. The initial hashtag #KamiTidakTakut (we are not afraid) soon gave way to #PolisiGanteng (cute policeman) and #KamiNaksir (we have crush).

READ: Indonesian president on blasts: We will not be defeated

The most shared photo features a policeman with slicked back hair running to the scene with pistol drawn, believed to be Officer Rino Soedarjo. A fashion designer highlighted that another gun-toting cop was apparently wearing Gucci sneakers and a Coach backpack. Indonesians joked that they feel safe with such handsome and stylish protectors.

Earlier posts highlighted how the unfazed Jamal, a 65-year old street vendor, continued to sell satay (grilled meat on skewer) 100 meters from the attack site.

The Jakarta attacks must remind us of our 44 Special Action Force commandos who died pursuing a terrorist who killed 202 in a 2002 Indonesia bombing. However, we also find solace in how, our different languages and religions aside, we Southeast Asians are quite difficult to terrorize.

Editor’s note: The author is based in Singapore, and writes a weekly opinion column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

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