Are instructions to take strict measures effective?

Each outbreak of violence in Ambon is always followed by an instruction from Jakarta to take strict measures against those responsible.

Jakarta called for strict measures after a bomb blast at a shopping mall in Ambon and the burning of the Maluku governor's office on April 3, 2002. Instructions from the authorities in Jakarta and the civil emergency authority in Ambon were not effective.

Several days before the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist group celebrated its anniversary, the authorities issued an instruction banning the flying of RMS flags.

However, 17 RMS flags flew in a number of places in Maluku on April 25, and on the same day the separatist group released balloons carrying the same flags. Of course, the flag flying ceremony rekindled hostility between conflicting groups in Maluku and provoked violence.

Instructions to take stern measures are generally ineffective and tend to be ignored, until conflict and violence remerges, and then people call for strict measures.

I call on the government, the civil emergency authorities, the security forces and all circles who care about the fate of the public to comprehend more seriously, consistently and consequently the strict measures so as to restore the government's authority.

-- Kompas, Jakarta