Crime-free capital?

Crime-free capital?

After their move against gambling and antidrug campaign
targeting nightclubbers -- the results of which are yet to be
seen -- the Jakarta Police are cracking down on street crime.

City Police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani said last Thursday,
one day before the raids began, that the operation would not only
focus on public nuisances but on brutal ruffians working for mass
organizations.

The operation kicked off the following day, when more than 240
people, believed to be involved in street and other crimes, were
apprehended.

Sharp weapons, guns, stolen vehicles, gambling paraphernalia,
various kinds of drugs and pirated compact discs were confiscated
during the raids.

Jakartans have high expectations of the police move,
envisioning public peace; the freedom to go anywhere without
being intimidated or threatened by criminals.

Police efforts to prevent and detect crime naturally deserve
support. However, the police need to be well-prepared with clear-
cut and accountable measures before taking action as the people
expect to see the results of their work.

Firman's bold promise to deal firmly with the network of
criminals responsible for the frequent violent raids on
nightspots has drawn mixed reactions -- including cynicism --
from the people. Many are hopeful that the police chief will keep
his word; others doubt that the police have the guts to
discipline such organizations.

In certain cases, the police act only after other parties have
taken it upon themselves to exercise control over the situation.
The most recent case was the dispute in late May between the
developer of Taman Permata Buana housing complex in West Jakarta
and individuals claiming to own some of the land. The dispute
escalated into a deadly brawl due to the involvement of a local
patrol group, while the police stood by. The police have faced
waves of criticism for failing to take prompt action before the
clash, in which a life was lost.

The police's failure to intervene when nightspots are
vandalized -- including the forced closure of a pool hall during
the last fasting month by a certain group -- is another example
of the law enforcers' ignorance or weakness. None of the gang
members involved in that incident were detained.

Given the public awareness of the lack of justice in such
cases, residents' skepticism is understandable. It is apparent
that the authorities have done very little to address concerns
over the activities of these hostile groups.

It has even been alleged that the authorities, including the
police and military, are backing these militant groups and other
criminals by allowing them to vandalize private property. And
now, consequently, such groups have the power to extort
residents who cannot defend themselves.

The existence of militant groups is in fact a reflection of
people's despair over the country's weak law enforcement.

If Firman is serious in his resolve to crack down on thuggery
he must build a police force of professionals.

Given that the campaign is unlikely to last for more than a
month, residents could be forgiven for asking if the end of the
month will mark the beginning of a new wave of crime.

To back the police, it is imperative that Jakartans take it
upon themselves to reject brutality and intimidation. In return,
the police must make good on their promise by quickly responding
to reports of crime.

To regain the people's trust, the police must prove they are
capable of making the capital a safe and comfortable place to
live. After all, that is their job.

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