Firearms for legislators?

Firearms for legislators?

From Suara Karya

Terrorists' actions and death threats against a number of
political figures (particularly the members of the House of
Representatives) are becoming increasingly horrifying and
sadistic. The killing of legislator (an Acehnese) Tengku
Nasyiruddin Daud and the attempt to murder deputy speaker of the
People's Consultative Assembly Matori Abdul Djalil clearly
indicates that these actions are serious undertakings, leading
legislators to feel that their lives are now in danger. Hence the
legislators, in addition to asking for special protection from
the Police, also suggest that they be allowed to keep firearms
for self defense.

However, House Speaker Akbar Tanjung says that there is no
need for the legislators to arm themselves with firearms, because
that will give an impression that people have no confidence in
the security apparatuses. Besides, a certain skill is required to
use firearms.

I quite agree with the view that special protection is needed
for the legislators. But I disagree with the idea to arm them
with firearms because firearms alone cannot guarantee their
safety. There are several alternative ways to protect oneself,
for example, by practicing martial arts or getting physical
immunity whereby one becomes invulnerable to weapons and the
like. For me, keeping firearms is not the right solution to the
problem and doing so could create new problems.

IRINE DEWI KURNIATY

Jakarta