Exactly.
The spectacular rescue achievements in Aceh was great act of
humanity.
But...
It incensed many people to see some SG guy handing over a big
cheque with a big silly grin on his face to some Indo guy with an
even bigger grin, for the floods or something.
All this even as they are bi.tching about the sand issue.
Handing them money everytime they have problems isn't gonna win
hearts and minds - it'll just breed in their mind that we are fat
and rich, but weak enough to want to bribe them for the sake of our
security.
Most of the aid money will end up in corrupt officials' pockets and
we are knowingly or otherwise cultivating a form of corruption or,
at best, dependency.
All bad.
Those who get a cut, will keep quiet. Those who didn't get, will
make trouble until they also get some.
Remember the Batam Immigration pig? They're like that up and down
the ladder.
It's been carrots so far, we should also bring a big stick when
dealing with the Indos.