A higher risk of violence by Laskar Jihad

A higher risk of violence by Laskar Jihad

The police arrested Ja'far Umar Thalib, commander of the militant Islamic group Laskar Jihad, upon arrival at Surabaya's Juanda airport from Ambon last weekend. It makes us wonder what will happen in reaction to the capture.

The situation is complicated. He was seized on charges of having made a provocative public speech in Ambon. On the other hand, as the news on his planned arrest spread, another riot broke out in Ambon.

People are now even wondering and anxious whether strong reactions will arise in other places as a consequence of the Laskar Jihad leader's detention.

The best way for all concerned parties to handle this is to give an opportunity for justice to take its course. Our hope is that law enforcers, in this case particularly the police, will really act pursuant to law and all parties observe the presumption of innocence.

When a problem emerges, when evaluations and views differ, as far as legal provisions are concerned, it is the law that should guide us all.

Nonetheless, shrewd, fair and wise judgment should also come to the fore when the issue in question bears sensitive elements.

We expect all parties to exercise restraint and let the problem be resolved through the right path, i.e. the legal channel.

-- Kompas, Jakarta