On caning and beheading<\/p>\n
I refer to the opinion article entitled Public caning a
\nprimitive punishment, page 5 in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 22.<\/p>\n
First, I am proud of living in Indonesia which is the most
\ndemocratic country having the largest Muslim population in the
\nworld. It seems that democracy runs well in Indonesia. An example
\nof this is to let Acehnese undertake the syaria (Islamic law),
\nthough it is still conducted in a patchy manner.<\/p>\n
Public caning represents progress for Acehnese in their
\nefforts to implement Islamic law.<\/p>\n
Some people say that caning, stoning, beheading are primitive,
\nrude and inhumane punishments. How can they say that? While they
\ndo not know the effect of it yet. Of course, we do not have to be
\nafraid of the system as long as we go along in the right way.
\nSometimes primitive laws can be more effective and efficient than
\ncivilized law that is considered more humanitarian but often
\ngives vague results.<\/p>\n
The law would be primitive, rude and inhumane if it was
\nconducted for the wrong aims, was unfair, or proposed oppressing
\nanother race -- as were the public floggings done in the early
\nAmerican colonies to punish black slaves. Furthermore, the case
\nin Aceh occurred under quite different circumstances.<\/p>\n
The Acehnese have made consensus and commitment in order that
\nthey can apply this \"primitive and inhumane\" law in their
\nhomeland, so there must be a great respect for them from other
\nIndonesians. No-one should stop them, because it is a consensus
\nof their society as a part of democracy.<\/p>\n
Let Acehnese go with the law, and we will see the outcome
\nlater. In my opinion, we have to be more open-minded, and if it
\nworks well, why not?<\/p>\n
YUYUS SAPUTRA, Tasikmalaya, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/on-caning-and-beheading-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }