'Everyone is equal before the law'

'Everyone is equal before the law'

The police's relative silence over the attacks on restaurants and
entertainment centers by militant groups since the beginning of
Ramadhan has raised questions from many quarters as to whether
these groups are above the law. The Jakarta Post asked some
residents about their views on the issue.

Kaesar Maulana, 30, is a consultant for a public relations
company on Jl. M.T. Haryono, East Jakarta. He lives with his
family in Slipi, West Jakarta:

I think the acts of groups that have vandalized entertainment
centers can be classified as unlawful acts that disturb public
order, so the authorities should do something about it.

The authorities should investigate whether it is indeed the
places that have violated the law, or whether it is the militant
groups, and prosecute any suspects accordingly to the law,
because everyone is the same before the law.

The groups might have their own beliefs and opinions about the
places, but because we all live together in a pluralistic and
diverse country, their actions should always adhere to existing
laws. The laws were created so that we can all get along
peacefully with each other anyway.

Even if they argue that what they did was for the sake of the
fasting month, they need not resort to such acts of violence.
There are better -- and more peaceful ways -- to remind people of
the fasting month.

Tarjo, 32, is a driver of a public minivan serving the
Kebayoran Lama-Tanah Abang route. He lives with his wife and two
children in Meruya, West Jakarta:

I think the vandalizing of bars and nightclubs during Ramadhan
is the work of those who have nothing better to do.

I mean, if they had proper employment, then they would be too
busy to get involved in such acts. They would be busy working
hard all day to earn a decent living, and would be resting at
home at night so they can work again the next day.

You know how it is -- it's so easy these days to hire
demonstrators and mobilize a crowd if you have the money. Heck,
if I didn't have a job as a driver, maybe I'd accept an offer of
Rp 50,000 to trash those places.

Anyway, their excuse that the places disturb their fasting is
also ridiculous, because fasting is also about being patient and
tolerant, including toward those who are not fasting. Our fasting
is also more blessed if we fast while other people are eating and
drinking.

-- The Jakarta Post