'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