Condemn one, praise other?
Condemn one, praise other?
I have in front of me a copy of The Jakarta Post dated May 17, 1995, page four, my favorite "Your Letters".
A letter titled Permadi and Bintang cases written by Mr Suharsono Hadikusumo, which was picked up from Sinar and translated by the Post, drew my attention.
First, the letter says "Permadi and Sri Bintang Pamungkas cases are a new phenomenon in our social and political life". I wonder what is so new about those two cases. Both are accused of something, and accusations against certain persons are not new. It happens every day. Accusations against holding demonstrations are not new. Its happened before. Accusations against blasphemy are not new, and we had such a case before in Indonesia.
Second, what is wrong in making statements? I do not believe that making statements are against the principles of presumption of innocence. If Mr. Suharsono says that was not wise then I fully agree.
Let us have a look and maintain a neutral position. Mr Suharsono condemned the people who made statements as damaging the reputation of Permadi and Bintang, but he praised the people who have the guts to defend those two gentlemen. I think this just showed Mr. Suharsono's colors and his prejudice.
What is the difference? Why condemn one action and praise the other? Officially and legally we know nothing, whether they are guilty or not. The court has to decide that. At this moment, they are just being accused. Look at how many people are being freed by the court, although they have been previously accused.
Again, those statements might not be wise, but it is equally unwise for Mr. Suharsono to condemn one action and praise the other, while in principle both are of the same kind.
Third, one thing, which needs further explanation is the last part of his letter (to Sinar). I quote: "It is much better for the judges, if they are in doubt in deciding their verdict, to free a guilty man rather than penalizing an innocent one." How can a guilty man be freed?
Honestly I cannot catch the true meaning of this statement because freeing a guilty man is as bad as convicting an innocent one. Please clarify!
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