Beware of hoodlums
Beware of hoodlums
The Indonesian word preman(hoodlums) originates from the Dutch
word vrije man which means "free man". While most people are
happy to be a free, it is not recommended that you become a
preman.
The city administration has decided to round up these hoodlums
for disturbing public order by robbing pedestrians, blackmailing
and extorting money from shopkeepers or owners of small food
stalls and whoever they think can be harassed. You can also hire
these hoodlums to "get rid" of your political opponents or
business partners. No wonder the preman is a free man. He is
unemployed.
During the elections, some political parties turn to these
hoodlums for protection or to threaten their opponents. It is
believed that there were, among the supporters of President
Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid who came to Jakarta to show their
loyalty to their leader when he was facing criticism and threats
of impeachment from legislators, some hoodlums -- professional
and amateur.
The first time these loyalists from East and Central Java
visited the capital city, they left behind mountains of trash and
dirt, including human waste, inside the compound of the House of
Representatives (DPR). Security officials, including the Army and
police, have warned visitors to the capital city, whether they
are here to observe the proceedings of the DPR or otherwise, not
to carry guns, grenades, sickles or swords with them.
On April 30, 2001, the DPR will decide whether to issue a
second memorandum of censure against Gus Dur. The second
memorandum can pave the way for impeachment proceedings against
the President. Gus Dur's fanatical supporters have promised that
they will gather in Jakarta before April 30.
It is a pity that even to the democrats in this country,
democracy and democratic practices are very hard to implement
without resorting to violence.
When hoodlums are completely rooted out from this country,
hopefully with the death of corruption, which seems a long, long
way off, school children may raise the national flag and
celebrate.
GANDHI SUKARDI
Jakarta