Court and discipline

Court and discipline

From Kompas

The government is intensively implementing the national discipline movement. We hope that the action is not overly done as it would make the movement lose its true meaning.

The important thing is, is that the demand for society to observe national discipline should be matched by the enhancement of services from law enforcing officials.

On July 6, 1995, I went to the Central Jakarta Court to watch the court proceedings. Before entering the courtroom, my handbag was searched by a policeman without any explanation of why he was doing so. I was simply told "we are performing our duty." They did the same to other visitors. I wonder if it was done in connection with the implementation of the national discipline movement, or if it was just a "show of force."

Previously, visitors to a courtroom were never searched. It would be helpful if the authority would explain the matter so that it is known what it is all about. After all, the discipline movement is aimed at disciplining the people and not threatening them.

TJAHJA GUNAWAN

Jakarta