Noordin M. Top is dead. And the world cheers. How ironic that one's greatest contribution to humankind is his leaving the world forever.

While the TVs were continuously reporting the news, I red couple of news from American websites. Just curious in what they had in stock to say. Nothing much actually. MSNBC said Indonesia terror chief killed in raid, CNN said Indonesia's top terror suspect killed in raid... I know it's supposed to be an achievement for Indonesian police (especially when this institution is actually in on-going open war with another public institution), but it's sad that word Indonesia had to be in the same sentence with terrorist. This 'terror chief' was actually belonged to Malaysia. And I've stopped shopping shoes at Vincci since last year.

The negative sentiment toward Malaysia has grown rapidly nowadays. Indonesian labors in Malaysia, Manohara, Ambalat, Rasa Sayange, Tari Pendet, Reog Ponorogo, Negaraku vs Terang Bulan, Indonesia Raya........ *and long list continues* But now that I think about it, perhaps Malaysia just wants to help us out.

It's just like what they always say in campus while talking about 'kaderisasi' aka 'ospek' aka student orientation, that solidarity bounds in high pressure. Lets just admit it, if there's no such claim from Malaysia to... umm... Ambalat (??), or sadism toward Indonesian labors, or highly-disrespectful joke toward Indonesian national anthem, there might never be Indonesian solidarity like Indonesia Unite. Terang Bulan might never be so popular. Kids might never be able to see Tari Pendet or Reog Ponorogo on TV. Yey! Thank you, Malaysia!

My dad once said, "Maybe there's outlandish intelligent trying to ignite war between Indonesia and Malaysia."

Well, I won't speculate on that. But I do think everything has two sides of stories. I just red a friend's post on Facebook that before Indonesia Raya, Malaysia's own national anthem was being disgraced by people who claimed as Indonesians. If it's true, then it's not-so-wise-but-just-natural reaction from Malaysian to do the same with Indonesian national anthem. While the labor-issue..., well it is against humanity, but let's face it. Even more labors are treated badly in those Middle East countries. We should be consistent, if we're really care about the fates of Indonesian labors abroad and not just being reactive toward provocations.

Between you and me, I think Malaysia is trying to compete with Singapore as a transit place for international boarding. Putting Reog and its friends on their websites, then when tourists ask about them they'll simply say: "Oh, it's in Indonesia... not far from here. You can take ferry or flight." Watch it, S'pore!

Doesn't mean that I will buy anything from Vincci again, though. Their products are just totally lame. Quality control, please...


note: I start writing perezhilton-style. Not good.