Father Sandyawan's case<\/p>\n
Sandyawan Sumardi, a Jesuit priest who is also director of a
\nsocial institute in Jakarta, has been interrogated by the Jakarta
\npolice for giving shelter to three fugitive activists of the
\nDemocratic People's Party (PRD).<\/p>\n
The priest had brought the activists to the house of his
\nbrother in Bekasi. The authorities had accused the activists of
\ninvolvement in the July 27 incident.<\/p>\n
Father Sandyawan acted in his capacity of a priest and also as
\nsecretary of the team of volunteers in aid of the victims of the
\nJuly 27 incident.<\/p>\n
It is clear that the noble profession of a Catholic churchman
\nis to give help to persons who are confused, cornered or anxious;
\nso in whatever situation, a churchman comes to the aid regardless
\nof whether the object is a criminal, a friend or an enemy of the
\nstate. A priest's duty is identical to that of a doctor. If
\nsomebody needs help, help is directly given.<\/p>\n
The police will probably bring Father Sandyawan to court. The
\nmaximum penalty is nine months imprisonment. It is the right of
\nthe police and the public prosecutor. However, the attorney's
\noffice also has the right to drop the case for the sake of public
\ninterest.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, the priest cannot be faulted for exercising his
\nprofession. If Father Sandyawan is legally prosecuted, the
\ninternational community will criticize Indonesia because it will
\nbe found to be not obeying the rules of the game in a country
\nwhich respects moral values. The priest's action was based on
\nconscience, not merely on law. A state is judged by its ability
\nto act legally, not based on power.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, Indonesia's philosophy of Pancasila is well
\nknown, embracing principles of a belief in God, social justice
\nand just and civilized humanitarianism.<\/p>\n
Father Sandyawan's brother, Benny Sumardi, should not be sued
\neither because what he did was not intentional. He was not
\ninformed nor did he know the persons entrusted by the priest. He
\nwas only fulfilling the request of his younger brother.<\/p>\n
I have no idea if he will be sued based on the subversion law,
\nbecause this is flexible like rubber - it depends on the will of
\nthe party that wants to sue.<\/p>\n
SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO<\/p>\n
West Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/father-sandyawans-case-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }