Life After Bombing: The Story of Unity

This morning (5/14), the world is shocked by yet another suicide bombing attack in the Indonesian city of Surabaya. Three churches were attacked in a peaceful day of mass, killing at least 14 innocent souls who tried to worship God in a beautiful Sunday turned horrifying.

You can read about the rest of this disturbing tragedy all over the news. But in this post, I want to highlight what happened when the night came. People all over the country gathered in their landmarks in various cities to show solidarity and unity in the midst of this adversity. To show love. To show that Indonesian have zero fear and tolerance towards terrorist groups trying to dismantle our society and spread fear.

Images belong to ANTARA.

In Bandung, West Java, thousands from various elements gathered in Gasibu Field, Bandung to light candles. Participation comes from people with various beliefs. Showing that terrorism cannot dismantle our Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (meaning: Unity in Diversity, our nation's motto).

In Kediri, East Java (not far from Surabaya), college students showing their sympathy in the Simpang Lima Gumul Monument.

These students call for peace and zero fear of terrorism. They were also denouncing the bombing attack earlier.

In Batam, Riau Islands, people also lit candles to show solidarity to those affected with the suicide bombing attack. The people of Batam rejects any form of radicalism and terrorism.

They prayed to those killed and wounded due to the bombing attack in Surabaya and to show their support to police and military to eliminate all forms of radicalism and terrorism.

The people of Yogyakarta also showed their solidarity and empathy to the people of Surabaya and Sidoarjo. People gathered in the Pal Putih Monument, the central landmark of the city.

People from 66 organizations and other elements condemn this act of terror that tries to disrupt peace and pluralism.

Surakarta, Central Java, also joined in lighting candles to show condolences and prayed together to the victims of the bombing.

They hope and pray for unity in this horrible adversity, and hope that terrorism would be eliminated in all parts of the nation.

And last but not least, in the city where the bombing happened. The brave people of Surabaya gathered just hours after the attack to show that they are not afraid.

They lit candles in the historic Heroes Monument that remembers the battle for independence of freedom back in 1945. And tonight they gathered once again to show that they would not surrender their freedom to terrorists.

The beautiful scene tonight represents the true nature of Indonesians and people of the world. We must show those terrorists that we will not be afraid, we will not be conquered by fear, and we shall march on for our independence and freedom from any forms of radicalism and terrorism.

I hope this post can spread the love and peace throughout the Steemit community and all readers from across the globe. Let's not promote fear and these acts of terror. May God protects us always and gives us the strength to overcome this tragedy and continue to become better society.