Crime-free capital?<\/p>\n
After their move against gambling and antidrug campaign
\ntargeting nightclubbers -- the results of which are yet to be
\nseen -- the Jakarta Police are cracking down on street crime.<\/p>\n
City Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said last Thursday,
\none day before the raids began, that the operation would not only
\nfocus on public nuisances but on brutal ruffians working for mass
\norganizations.<\/p>\n
The operation kicked off the following day, when more than 240
\npeople, believed to be involved in street and other crimes, were
\napprehended.<\/p>\n
Sharp weapons, guns, stolen vehicles, gambling paraphernalia,
\nvarious kinds of drugs and pirated compact discs were confiscated
\nduring the raids.<\/p>\n
Jakartans have high expectations of the police move,
\nenvisioning public peace; the freedom to go anywhere without
\nbeing intimidated or threatened by criminals.<\/p>\n
Police efforts to prevent and detect crime naturally deserve
\nsupport. However, the police need to be well-prepared with clear-
\ncut and accountable measures before taking action as the people
\nexpect to see the results of their work.<\/p>\n
Firman's bold promise to deal firmly with the network of
\ncriminals responsible for the frequent violent raids on
\nnightspots has drawn mixed reactions -- including cynicism --
\nfrom the people. Many are hopeful that the police chief will keep
\nhis word; others doubt that the police have the guts to
\ndiscipline such organizations.<\/p>\n
In certain cases, the police act only after other parties have
\ntaken it upon themselves to exercise control over the situation.
\nThe most recent case was the dispute in late May between the
\ndeveloper of Taman Permata Buana housing complex in West Jakarta
\nand individuals claiming to own some of the land. The dispute
\nescalated into a deadly brawl due to the involvement of a local
\npatrol group, while the police stood by. The police have faced
\nwaves of criticism for failing to take prompt action before the
\nclash, in which a life was lost.<\/p>\n
The police's failure to intervene when nightspots are
\nvandalized -- including the forced closure of a pool hall during
\nthe last fasting month by a certain group -- is another example
\nof the law enforcers' ignorance or weakness. None of the gang
\nmembers involved in that incident were detained.<\/p>\n
Given the public awareness of the lack of justice in such
\ncases, residents' skepticism is understandable. It is apparent
\nthat the authorities have done very little to address concerns
\nover the activities of these hostile groups.<\/p>\n
It has even been alleged that the authorities, including the
\npolice and military, are backing these militant groups and other
\ncriminals by allowing them to vandalize private property. And
\nnow, consequently, such groups have the power to extort
\nresidents who cannot defend themselves.<\/p>\n
The existence of militant groups is in fact a reflection of
\npeople's despair over the country's weak law enforcement.<\/p>\n
If Firman is serious in his resolve to crack down on thuggery
\nhe must build a police force of professionals.<\/p>\n
Given that the campaign is unlikely to last for more than a
\nmonth, residents could be forgiven for asking if the end of the
\nmonth will mark the beginning of a new wave of crime.<\/p>\n
To back the police, it is imperative that Jakartans take it
\nupon themselves to reject brutality and intimidation. In return,
\nthe police must make good on their promise by quickly responding
\nto reports of crime.<\/p>\n
To regain the people's trust, the police must prove they are
\ncapable of making the capital a safe and comfortable place to
\nlive. After all, that is their job.<\/p>\n
------<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/crime-free-capital-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }