'I appreciate police security measures'

During this Idul Fitri holiday season, many city residents have felt safer and more secure. They have praised the police for their hard work in ensuring security and order in the city during the holiday. The Jakarta Post talked to several residents about the issue.

Cecep, 52, works at a bus company in East Jakarta. He lives in Bogor with his wife and six children:

I think the city is far more peaceful, particularly compared to Idul Fitri holidays of years past.

In the past, many people were afraid to go to bus or railway stations in the city for fear of criminals.

Because my works takes me out on the streets, I see lots of crimes and lots of victims. I feel sorry for the victims and I hate the criminals, whose victims are always poor people.

But now the police are taking stronger actions against hoodlums in several places that are prone to street crimes. It is working. I really appreciate the police for this effort.

I support the police crackdown on criminals, and if they have to shoot the criminals dead that's all right too. I know some of the criminals here and they have said they are afraid of the police operation.

I like this situation. The city is far more peaceful now. I hope the police can continue to take stern measures like this.

Eka Dewi PS, 20, is a first-year student at the London School of Public Relations in South Jakarta. She lives in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta:

The situation during Lebaran this year is much better than last year, particularly on Idul Fitri eve a couple of days ago. There were no riots or firecrackers.

The situation is praiseworthy, despite the fact that there were many parades to celebrate the holiday with people in the backs of trucks and motorists gathering on the main thoroughfares.

Perhaps the city residents are fed up with violence following the series of bombings in the country. I guess they are becoming more aware of making peace.

And I admit that the police and other security officers have worked well to keep the situation under control. I think stern measures are effective in preventing trouble.

I hope that both the people and the police keep this up during the upcoming Christmas and New Year's holidays. This is a good start for the police to regain the respect of the people.

I don't thing any city residents would object if the peaceful atmosphere continued. Everybody including me feels safer traveling around the city.

Safiah Gani, 57, is a housewife and social worker who lives in Ciputat, South Jakarta, with her family:

I think security in the city during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri was very good. The police crackdowns on firecrackers were very effective.

Personally, I like to hear the firecrackers because they liven up the festivities. But I hate it when the firecrackers cause injuries.

The peaceful situation in the city can be credited to public awareness and the work of the police. We love peace, right?

I heard for myself how people in the mosque were warned (by the preacher) to be cautious, and it was very effective in improving neighborhood security.

In addition, the police are more serious and responsive now in safeguarding the city.

Sun'an, 40, is a chicken noodle vendor in Grogol, West Jakarta. He lives on Jl. Satria in West Jakarta with his wife:

I guess the atmosphere during Idul Fitri this year was calmer than last year.

I like the atmosphere in the city, particularly because there were no raids by the city public order officers. I mean, the city security is fine when there are no raids.

I don't know whether the police were responsible for safeguarding the situation here. But as far as I know, there are less crooks operating around here.

-- Leo Wahyudi S