'I will stay vigilant, terrorists are still here'<\/p>\n
The four-year jail sentence handed down to Muslim cleric Abu
\nBakar Ba'asyir has sparked controversy. Many have criticized the
\nverdict and the ability of the police to produce credible
\nevidence. The Jakarta Post asked people to respond to the court's
\ndecision.<\/p>\n
Roy, 40, is the wife of a civil servant. The couple reside in
\nKebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I guess Ba'asyir should get a heavier punishment. Four years
\nin jail is too lenient considering he was alleged of planning
\nbombings in the country.<\/p>\n
I am Muslim but I don't like him, or the other terrorist
\nsuspects. They always blame America to justify their merciless
\nkilling.<\/p>\n
Religious belief is just an excuse for their evil deeds.<\/p>\n
The court seemed to be reluctant to harshly punish the
\ndefendant. Perhaps Ba'asyir looks too old for a severe penalty.
\nBut terrorist suspects deserve the death penalty.<\/p>\n
I wonder why law enforcers did not investigate thoroughly,
\ndespite the fact that they had credible leads.<\/p>\n
Ba'asyir's lenient sentence will not be a deterrent. He has
\nmany loyal supporters who might resort to more terror acts. The
\nonly way is to stay vigilant, since terrorists still exist here.<\/p>\n
Eka, 21, is a student of the London School of Public Relations
\nin Central Jakarta. She lives in Karet, Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
The court system remains weak. There is no real commitment to
\npunishing terrorist suspects.<\/p>\n
Frankly I didn't follow the trial process of Ba'asyir as it
\nwas so complicated and sensitive.<\/p>\n
Many of the arrested terrorist suspects admitted that they
\nwere under Ba'asyir's leadership. I don't know for sure.<\/p>\n
However, I dearly regret that almost all the suspects justify
\ntheir wrongdoings by citing religious beliefs. Their heartless
\naction has truly tarnished the image of Islam.<\/p>\n
I am Muslim and many of my friends lament the hardships they
\nface, due to the stigma given to Islam.<\/p>\n
Hasyim, not his real name, 45, is a food stall vendor in
\nKebayoran, South Jakarta. He lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta,
\nwith his wife and four children:<\/p>\n
I doubt that Ba'asyir will stay in jail for four years.<\/p>\n
Despite the allegations -- of involvement in a terrorist
\nnetwork -- I am not surprised he got such a lenient punishment
\nbecause we live in a poor country, with an insufficient legal
\nsystem.<\/p>\n
I remember what a friend of mine told me -- years ago when I
\nwent on a haj pilgrimage -- about Ba'asyir.<\/p>\n
So, I think it is clear what Ba'asyir stands for. Nonetheless,
\nthe law enforcers could not find hard proof against him as a
\nterrorist leader... But, I don't want to comment more.<\/p>\n
I regret that Muslim people are vulnerable to provocation now.<\/p>\n
Personally, as a Muslim, I don't like groups that are narrow
\nin their views, fanatic even. It is better to truly understand
\nreligious teachings and do something good for others. That should
\nbe simple enough, don't you think?<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-will-stay-vigilant-terrorists-are-still-here-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }