From Indonesia’s viewpoint, its two marines were heroes because, even now, it sees its Konfrontasi with Malaysia and Singapore as a state of war.

Our view is that they were terrorists because they killed civilians who did not see the situation as a war with Indonesia. Did we send soldiers to plant bombs in Indonesia in retaliation?

We executed the two marines only after due legal process. We went by the rule of law. Indonesia must consider these facts and the context.

If it were serious about solidarity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, it should not have reopened old wounds, almost 50 years after the bombing.

Singapore has stood by Indonesia when it needed help and is one of its biggest investors. So why did it rock the boat?

The answer does not matter now. What matters is that the past is past and the present is important. The good relations built over the past half-century cannot be allowed to deteriorate for the good of the citizens of both nations.