'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