Drugs, corruption equally bad

Drugs, corruption equally bad

From Rakyat Merdeka

The rampant abuse of drugs in a number of regions has received a serious response from various circles: the security forces, relevant government agencies and mass movements launched by neighborhood communities. Many things have been done to put a stop drug abuse: Posters have been stuck up everywhere, banners put up in many places, appeals made and even houses of alleged drug traffickers set on fire. All these efforts have been made to ensure that the abuse of drugs is cut to the minimum.

In this context it is interesting to note the statements made by the chief of the National Police, the chairman of the central executive board of the Indonesian National Youth Committee and many other figures to the effect that drug producers, as well as drug traffickers, deserve capital punishment.

That such strong statements have been made is understandable considering the adverse impact that the abuse of drugs has on the people, especially the young generation. However, a sense of justice must be taken into account.

It is indeed very easy for the chief of the National Police or other high-ranking officials to loudly say that capital punishment must be exacted on drug producers and drug traffickers. However, it is worth asking whether they have the guts to make the same statement about those involved in major corruption.

No matter how bitter a reality is, government officials must not hastily make a statement as otherwise it will boomerang on them. It would be better for them to find out the main cause of a problem so that it may be handled more effectively.

MELKIANU

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara