'I will stay vigilant, terrorists are still here'

The four-year jail sentence handed down to Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir has sparked controversy. Many have criticized the verdict and the ability of the police to produce credible evidence. The Jakarta Post asked people to respond to the court's decision.

Roy, 40, is the wife of a civil servant. The couple reside in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I guess Ba'asyir should get a heavier punishment. Four years in jail is too lenient considering he was alleged of planning bombings in the country.

I am Muslim but I don't like him, or the other terrorist suspects. They always blame America to justify their merciless killing.

Religious belief is just an excuse for their evil deeds.

The court seemed to be reluctant to harshly punish the defendant. Perhaps Ba'asyir looks too old for a severe penalty. But terrorist suspects deserve the death penalty.

I wonder why law enforcers did not investigate thoroughly, despite the fact that they had credible leads.

Ba'asyir's lenient sentence will not be a deterrent. He has many loyal supporters who might resort to more terror acts. The only way is to stay vigilant, since terrorists still exist here.

Eka, 21, is a student of the London School of Public Relations in Central Jakarta. She lives in Karet, Central Jakarta:

The court system remains weak. There is no real commitment to punishing terrorist suspects.

Frankly I didn't follow the trial process of Ba'asyir as it was so complicated and sensitive.

Many of the arrested terrorist suspects admitted that they were under Ba'asyir's leadership. I don't know for sure.

However, I dearly regret that almost all the suspects justify their wrongdoings by citing religious beliefs. Their heartless action has truly tarnished the image of Islam.

I am Muslim and many of my friends lament the hardships they face, due to the stigma given to Islam.

Hasyim, not his real name, 45, is a food stall vendor in Kebayoran, South Jakarta. He lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta, with his wife and four children:

I doubt that Ba'asyir will stay in jail for four years.

Despite the allegations -- of involvement in a terrorist network -- I am not surprised he got such a lenient punishment because we live in a poor country, with an insufficient legal system.

I remember what a friend of mine told me -- years ago when I went on a haj pilgrimage -- about Ba'asyir.

So, I think it is clear what Ba'asyir stands for. Nonetheless, the law enforcers could not find hard proof against him as a terrorist leader... But, I don't want to comment more.

I regret that Muslim people are vulnerable to provocation now.

Personally, as a Muslim, I don't like groups that are narrow in their views, fanatic even. It is better to truly understand religious teachings and do something good for others. That should be simple enough, don't you think?

-- Leo Wahyudi S.