In response to the article SBY's greatest moment , it will be a grave mistake if the Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudoyono imposes martial law, even if only in Bali for a limited period, to stem an unseen and unspecific terrorist threat created by a minority.

That is precisely what the terrorists want - the unravelling of civil society. It may become the beginning of the end of democracy in Indonesia as we know it.

By all means SBY should take a firm stand on terrorism, show leadership, and convince Indonesians about the need to cut oil subsidies.

But to tempt and incite SBY to take a step toward dictatorship by arguing about indirect adverse impacts on Sumatra, tourism, and as a way to counter his oil-related vulnerability is irresponsible, emotional, and dangerous advice.

Dr Mahathir Mohamd did not "stand tall" during the economic crisis. He was grandstanding and scapegoating foreigners to hide his self-inflicted corporate mis-governance of a massive scale.