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