Death to rice hoarders<\/p>\n
Amid reports that many Indonesians are in dire need of rice,
\nit is disturbing to learn that 80,000 metric tons of the
\ncommodity are being stashed, unused, in a warehouse in the
\nPulogadung industrial zone in Jakarta. Various cases that have
\ncome to light lately seem to indicate that many problems exist
\nregarding the distribution of rice and other foodstuffs. In many
\ncases this is because some unethical officials or traders are
\ntrying to benefit from the situation.<\/p>\n
Viewed against this background, one can understand Minister of
\nJustice Muladi's warning that the government could invoke Law
\nNo.5\/1959, which threatens hoarders of foodstuffs with the death
\npenalty. Naturally, death would be the maximum penalty in such
\ncases. Still, considering the truly critical food situation that
\nprevails at present, it seems that the government deems it proper
\nto issue such a warning.<\/p>\n
At the same time, a natural consequence of all this is that
\nour law enforcement authorities are called upon to work harder
\nand be more professional and more conscientious in investigating
\ncases that involve manipulations that harm the public interest.<\/p>\n
Obviously, we hope nobody will have to suffer the death
\nsentence for seriously obstructing food distribution. Rather, the
\nthreat should be a warning to those who have, either directly or
\nindirectly, been guilty of such acts to mend their ways.<\/p>\n
-- Suara Karya, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/death-to-rice-hoarders-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }