High school gang fights

High school gang fights

From Republika

As a Jakarta citizen I am greatly concerned about chronic high school brawls in the capital city. Many people become victims when they are trapped in brawls on the streets. I strongly hope security personnel, especially the police, will be serious in following up Jakarta Police chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman's statement on Feb. 12 that stern measures would be taken against high school students engaged in gang fighting.

I wonder why the police are able to handle demonstrations by university students in the thousands but fail to curb brawls by high school students whose number is smaller? In student brawls, the place and time are relatively constant so that preventive measures and handling the fights should be relatively easier. Apparently the police need to learn from other big cities in Java which rarely are arenas for student gang fighting.

High school brawls in Jakarta have already caused great losses to the community, especially city bus operators whose vehicles have been severely damaged in brawls. The high school students do not dare fight empty-handed or confront their foes on a one-to- one basis. Many innocent students have become victims.

The police should punish the culprits so that they become responsible and confident, and reluctant to commit similar acts in future. They should not carry their brutality with them when they become university students and are compelled to join demonstrations and confront armed police officers. The action of throwing stones at riot police often takes place in Jakarta. Such is not the case in Bandung.

Punishment for brawling students may take the form of social work. Students committing the offense a second time should be given more social work.

ARIF BASTARI

Jakarta