'Bombing a serious lesson for police'

'Bombing a serious lesson for police'

A bomb exploded in front of a building belonging to the National
Police in South Jakarta on Monday. The explosion is an
embarrassment for the police, which is making a concerted effort
to combat terrorism in the country. But as the incident on Monday
proved, security remains a major concern in Jakarta. The Jakarta
Post talked to some residents about security in the capital.

Tauhid, 30, is a part-time masseuse. He lives in Sunter, North
Jakarta:

Safety? There is no safety, particularly in the city. Who can
guarantee that every resident will be safe in the city?

I think with overpopulation, Jakarta is a haven for criminals.
In the name of survival, people sometimes resort to act of evil,
don't they?

Worse still, the income gap between the wealthy and the poor
is so wide that it will trigger social jealousy. It is dangerous.

And the government's ignoring of the poor will sooner or later
spark strong public protests.

I have no intention of committing any crimes, but it's not
impossible that economic hardship could someday force me to
commit crimes.

I'm getting desperate trying to survive in the capital. But
I'm trying hard not to do anything evil because I still have the
skills to get a job later and earn a living.

After a number of recent armed robberies and Monday's bombing,
how can we be so sure that the city will be safe from crimes or
bombings? The police and other law enforcers have failed to
combat crooks and terrorists.

The latest bombing is an example of how the police are
vulnerable to acts of terror such as bombings.

Sajimin, 45, is a street food vendor in Central Jakarta. He
lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta, with his wife and three
children:

I don't know whether or not the city is secure. I'm just a
poor person living in the city who doesn't much care about the
city's condition.

I could say the situation is under control and calm, but in
fact there was a bomb explosion at a police building. I should
also keep my eyes open because street crime remains rampant in
the city.

I don't like when it is quiet like now because it is hard to
see potential threats. It's better to be in a chaotic situation
because enemies are easily identified.

I guess the mastermind(s) behind the bombings are not ordinary
people like me. I'm sure they have skills and intelligence. Maybe
they are deserters or were dismissed from the police or military.

Meanwhile, people should not hurt or insult each other because
hard feelings could provoke violence.

Dismissed military or police officers are potential criminals,
at least from I've seen on TV. I think if we could do good to
others, there would be less evil.

Hopefully, Monday's bombing will teach them (police) to be
more serious in fighting crime and terror.

Komeng, 21, is a sidewalk vendor selling electronic goods at
the Palmerah railway station in West Jakarta. He lives in
Tangerang with relatives:

I think the city is still far from safe. No one feels safe
living in Jakarta, do they?

There are many criminals in the city who like to threaten
residents.

In my opinion, the police and other law enforcers have fallen
short in cracking down on criminals, including corrupt government
officials.

Therefore, Monday's bombing was really a slap in the face for
the police.

How can corrupt police officers protect the city when all they
think about is how to get extra money from people? Perhaps the
incident will teach them to perform their duties better.--Leo
Wahyudi.S