Jakarta 'back to normal'

Jakarta 'back to normal'

Driving on Jakarta roads one week after Idul Fitri was
enjoyable. Offices and shops were still closed, and trips from
one place to another were smooth and fast, while the air was also
clean due to reduced vehicular emissions.

Things changed on Monday. Myriad cars and motorcycles are back
on the roads from morning until night. Vehicles continue to
congregate around the schools, shops and offices. It can take up
to one hour to travel a distance of 10 kilometers due to severe
congestion. The attitude of motorists and pedestrians is another
question.

That is the reality of life in Jakarta. Quiet Jakarta is not
normal. But, chaotic and crowded Jakarta is the very place where
millions of people make ends meet.

So, in spite of the fact that we are weary of the rat race, we
must admit that Jakarta is loved by those who depend on it for
their livelihood.

Thai people will still love Bangkok and New Yorkers' love for
their city has not faded despite the high crime rate.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta

Police' accomplishment

The Indonesian police have again proved their proficiency in
the handling of the Bali and Makassar bombings. In a very short
time they have managed to nab several suspects.

The police officers have also demonstrated their skill in
interrogating the suspects. The result is the revelation of
relations and links among the suspects. The police have adequate
evidence that the bombings in Bali, Makassar (South Sulawesi) and
other 2000 Christmas blasts in Bandung and several other places
in the country are linked to one network.

It is not a mere network as it has a regional dimension,
according to Ali Ghufron alias Muchlas, who is believed to be the
key suspect in the Bali bombing.

According to Ghufron, there was a meeting in Bangkok attended
by Jamaah Islamiyah's officials from several countries. In the
meeting it was agreed to attack nightspots in several cities in
Southeast Asia.

We've been hoping for such an achievement by police. Years
after the reform movement began people's lives have been
endangered by bombing incidents. Bombs have exploded in various
places and times, while the police have been unable to apprehend
the suspects.

Therefore, the police's recent achievement has injected
optimism into society and the people are more confident that they
can live peacefully.

It is obvious that we now have a professional and qualified
police force.

However, police' professionalism and proficiency will face
another test in Aceh, where the people were already fed up with
Police Mobile Brigade officers prior to the signing of the peace
deal between Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on Dec.
9, 2002.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta