Isolate criminals from society: General

JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hindarto has proposed that law breakers be ostracized from society.

"Perhaps it will be more effective than legal penalties imposed on those found guilty violating existing rules," he said.

Hindarto made the remarks over the weekend, after officially closing the 47th ABRI Masuk Desa (Armed Forces in villages -- AMD) activities at Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.

He said city officials should not hesitate in asking the identities and addresses of citizens who threw garbage at will, violating municipal rule No. 5.

"The officials should report these cases to the people in charge of mosques or other places of worship near the citizens' houses. Their names will later be announced during public gatherings held there," Hindarto said.

This will make the citizens embarrassed and feel isolated. "But in the meantime, they will introspect themselves. Such a penalty will deter them from repeating their wrong doings in the future," Hindarto said.

He said the enforcement of several municipal rules cannot be taken for granted. He attributed this to the people's mentality and lack of self-discipline.

Meanwhile, Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi reported to Hindarto that a total of 235 projects have been completed through AMD activities. The projects cost Rp 4 billion, he said.

Hindarto said that with the rainy season coming up AMD activities should focus on the improvement of drainage systems. "This is meant to prevent heavy flooding due to the malfunction of drainage systems clogged up during the dry season," he said.(bas)