Holdup on Jl. Sutomo

Holdup on Jl. Sutomo

From Media Indonesia

At 5 p.m. on March 10 I was riding home with my wife and our
driver when we became caught in a traffic jam in front of the
Navy Guesthouse, the Central Bureau of Statistics on Jl. Sutomo
in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta.

I was startled by the scene in front of me. A young worker was
being hustled by two men wearing hats and white and gray
uniforms. At first it looked like an ordinary scene in a crowded
street. Then I saw the young man take out his wallet and hand
over all its contents to one of the muggers. The other mugger was
holding a knife glued to the young man's body.

I realized later that what was happening was real enough, an
extortion and a holdup.

It was saddening that nobody in the crowd took any action to
come to the rescue. The people did not dare do anything. It
seemed that they were more concerned about their own safety, and
weren't willing to take any risks.

How do we explain the behavior of the hoodlums? There is the
possibility that such behavior is a result of the pressures they
face in daily life and the realities they see around them such as
disorder, crime, hypocrisy, deceit and distrust. It also cannot
be ruled out that they despair facing the future.

Whatever their reasons, their action gives great cause for
concern and worry.

Personally, I am very concerned about the situation and I am
at a loss what to do. I urge the parties concerned to respond to
such situations and resolve the issue.

The stability and security of the state not only depends on
matters such as war or a power struggle. As ordinary citizens, we
long for safety and freedom to move in the city without being
haunted by fear.

As an emergency measure, may I suggest that members of the
Armed Forces be stationed at places prone to crime in Jakarta. It
is hoped this would discourage hoodlums from their actions.

JS TRIKA

Jakarta