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