Jakarta on Fire

The first thing Sri (household help) told me this morning was that Marriot Hotel at Mega Kuningan area was on fire. Hence, she was caught in a jam on the way here.
"Oh" I thought "Another fire, Aryaduta Suites was on fire two weeks ago too"
"It was a fire or a bombing" she added
"Impossible" I said, "Marriot's been bombed before, and who will set off bombs so early in the morning? More damage could be done at night when there's more people awake"

The first thing Donny (driver) told me this morning was that Marriot Hotel and Ritz Carlton Hotel at Mega Kuningan area were bombed. Hence, he was caught in a jam on the way here.
This time, I was shocked. He turned on the radio to prove his point.

The first phone call I received this morning was from Ah Li (Godmother of Gregory). She asked if I was ok because the hotels were less than a kilometre away from my house. We wondered on possible causes but ruled out those for political gains as such an act showed planning, which were unlikely to happen so quickly after the presidential elections. Also, all politicians have a stake in the welfare of this city. There are easier ways for political sympathy such as illustrated in other countries, where bombs appear to "almost" strike opponents. Of course, such an act would work against the newly elected as his main proponent is the economy. But this would be like willing to cut off your hands for your enemies' legs.

This act instils fear. It is a "spit into your face act". Despite increased vigilance, Marriot was hit. Despite "lightning seldom strikes on the same spot twice", it showed that it would. And despite hitting the same spot, it hit even her neighbour, Ritz. They are saying: we can strike anywhere (not random), we can strike with more force (hit two), we can strike with our brains (overcome increased difficulties).

I was particularly affected by the hit on Ritz. I was almost there. I was supposed to be there. Since a year ago, I was supposed to meet a Director of a F&B premise there but our travel schedules did not permit. His manager called in May but I was traveling in June and I couldn't meet her too. Just last sat, another manager called and I had mentioned I'll meet him at Ritz this week. Although I was sure I wouldn't be at Ritz so early in the morning, I was supposed to be there this week. And most likely to be yesterday afternoon or this afternoon.

This is going to affect business too. We have invested in HORECA segment. Our target audiences are similar. Higher profile consumers come in smaller quantities but are worth more, and we spend more to get them to become our "targets" (consumers).

Wife called. Come home now. Mass coordinated effort. More people affected. Hits in other malls and hotels around the city. "Are you sure?" I asked.

Heard there are a series of bombs, some have yet to go off. Massive traffic jams everywhere.

Heard Man U was supposed to stay at Ritz for their exhibition match tomorrow. So, they've cancelled their trip here.

Wonder why the perpetrators did not act later. Fans of Man U? Or insufficient awareness campaign announcing their due event that the perpetrators don't know? Or that they are not internet-savvy? Imagine the effect if it was to go off two days later, with Man U team having team breakfast.

Anyway, hope we're all safe, their targets seem to be commercial interests, not residential interests. Oops, I'm in the office. Commercial interests. Then again, they hit ground floor, I'm over 40 storeys high. Unless the whole building collapse.....