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Jakarta. A strongly worded editorial in Malaysian newspaper The Star has criticized Indonesian maritime officials involved in detaining Malaysian fishermen and condemned the “loutish” anti-Malaysia protests by “xenophobic” ultranationalist group Bendera.

The editorial, titled ‘Act firmly against these ugly thugs’, says Indonesia’s militant Malaysia-bashers were sparked into action after the arrest of three officials from the Ministry of Fisheries “for abducting seven Malaysian fishermen.”

“Bendera” seems to signify their obsession with dishonoring the Malaysian flag physically and their own national flag morally and spiritually, because their loutish acts are first and foremost an affront to their nation. Acts like hurling feces at the Malay­sian Embassy would shame any true nationalist, as the international community has observed.”

The editorial says the list of Bendera’s grievances with Malaysia has grown to include Malaysia allegedly illegally entering Indonesian territorial waters, abuse of Indonesian migrant workers (TKI) and “refusing to kowtow.”

“Such arbitrary xenophobia is toxic to bilateral relations.”

The article asks whether Malaysia has been “made the scapegoat by political interests targeting the government of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono? Already, the protesters and their paymasters have criticized the government for a lack of resolve – in acting against Malaysia.”

“They are half-right: the Indonesian government lacks resolve, but only in acting against the perpetrators. The maritime officers should be investigated for abduction, extortion and corruption, while the protesters should be held for – at the very least – pollution, incitement, vandalism and threats of violence.”

The editorial adds that Jakarta must act against the “miscreants” because a failure to do so will “encourage them to push further, eventually unravelling SBY’s administration.”

“Bendera makes its political points by striking terror against Malaysians in Indonesia, but it is different from terrorists who bomb their targets. The difference is therefore one of degree.”

The article concluded by hoping today’s meeting between Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa and his Malaysian counterpart in Kuala Lumpur would help resolve matters.

“Because fishermen are entitled to their legitimate livelihood without living in daily fear for their safety, the meeting must produce a joint statement clearly condemning and punishing unlawful acts in regional waters.”