Hanging for provocateurs
Hanging for provocateurs
The conflicts stemming from ethnicity, religion, race and
group relations (SARA) which have erupted in many regions have
caused great concern in all layers of communities throughout
Indonesia. Endeavors to alleviate and to stop the riotous fights
between community groups in a number of regions in Maluku (Ambon)
and Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, continue to take place,
including actions for peace and joint statements issued by
religious dignitaries in Jakarta as well as on the site of the
unrest. But the efforts have not shown satisfying results. The
intergroup clashes seem to expand to other regions.
One of the reasons is said to be that many high-ranking
officials in Jakarta are behind the clashes. They generally
spread rumors in the regions. The aim is to disturb the peaceful
life of the people. Religion being a sensitive matter, any small
problem touching on it can flare up the religious sentiments of
the population so it is not easy to solve the problem in a short
time.
Recent information tells us that provocateurs have infiltrated
17 provinces in Indonesia. Sooner or later their actions will
upset the community and trigger national disintegration,
especially by conflicts among religious groups. Therefore, moved
by my great concern, I appeal to the people in all the provinces
to step up national awareness, and not be influenced easily by
misleading information from irresponsible sides. Apparently this
awareness is now at a low because of the economic crisis. It
makes the community easy prey to rumors.
I hereby also ask the government and security personnel to not
hesitate in taking firm measures against high-ranking officials
in Jakarta who are behind the provocateurs. If necessary, it is
time to sentence them to death by hanging. Their actions are
intolerable. They have caused the death of thousands of innocent
people while they keep on dancing on the ruination of the
community, nation and country. What fitting penalty can they be
given? Death by hanging, because their deeds are inhuman.
YAYU LESTARI
Jakarta