Reflections on the law<\/p>\n
As a symbol, the goddess of justice is often depicted as a
\nblindfolded woman. This conveys the principle that justice should
\nbe applied without discrimination.<\/p>\n
This symbolism comes to mind upon consideration of two cases
\nwhich are attracting the public's attention at present. The first
\nis the reversal of the Supreme Court's verdict in the Kedung Ombo
\ncase. The second concerns the three-year prison sentence handed
\ndown by a court of justice in Medan for Dr. Muchtar Pakpahan, the
\ngeneral chairman of the board of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor
\nUnion.<\/p>\n
People could hardly believe it when some time ago the Supreme
\nCourt ruled in favor of an appeal filed by the people of Kedung
\nOmbo. The governor, representing the Central Java provincial
\nadministration, lost the case and was ordered to compensate the
\nKedung Ombo area inhabitants by paying them an amount of money
\nhigher than was requested, plus funds for immaterial losses
\namounting to Rp 2 billion.<\/p>\n
The fact is that in countries such as ours the position of the
\ngovernment is stronger than that of the public, and particularly
\nthat of individuals. From the development perspective, this is
\nessential, if not a precondition, in order that the people may be
\nmoved towards the desired objective of progress, in particular,
\neconomic progress.<\/p>\n
Such is the case in its larger context. This larger context,
\nhowever, is undergoing a process of growth, and with growth, of
\nchange. This is due to the public's growing awareness as a result
\nof education, economic progress, increased mobility,
\ninternational exchanges, a better flow of information and greater
\ntransparency brought by globalization.<\/p>\n
We must make sure we are all able to grasp and understand the
\nsigns of the times.<\/p>\n
-- Kompas, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/reflections-on-the-law-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }