Gambling officials released

Gambling officials released

From Kompas

Two reports on gambling in Kompas (Dec. 3) show a stark contrast. One describes a tsunami survivor being caned for gambling in Aceh and the other is about five East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) officials being released by the police after their capture.

Was it due to their position that the officials were set free by the Kupang Police chief after being caught gambling? Did they use the lack of entertainments in Kupang as an excuse for gambling?

On the other hand, was the gambler in Banda Aceh punished due to his proven deed or his status as an ordinary citizen? The question thus arises of whether the country has really upheld the law, or whether the law of the jungle has been applied.

The institutions concerned with legal affairs should be consistent in law enforcement, regardless of social status. In this way, truth and justice, a pillar of the state philosophy, can be properly achieved.

NUGROHO Jakarta