Crime to increase in 2003

BANDUNG: The government's lack of political will to enforce the law will result in an increase in the number of corruption cases, human rights violations and drug crimes, an analyst said.

"Human rights violations and corruption will still top the list of crimes in the country in 2003," legal expert Yesmil Anwar said on Saturday.

He added that the lack of government commitment to law enforcement was evident as those who committed serious crimes such as corruption, crimes against humanity and drug trafficking managed to escape punishment.

"The government must be able to anticipate crime and improve law enforcement through harsh punishments for criminals," he said.

He also warned of rampant crime during the general election next year as the government focused its attention on preparing for the polls.--Antara