Jakarta streets

Jakarta streets and crime

The recent murder of Brig. Gen. Tampubolon shocked us, no matter what the motive behind it was. One of the best Indonesian army officers had to die in such a miserable way.

This reminds us of how dangerous Jakarta's streets really are. Violence and robbery in the streets is on the rise.

Last February police officers began an operation to rid the streets of criminals, but the most dangerous places have yet to be patrolled. The criminals in those areas are unquestionably more sadistic in their methods.

But we realize that the budget for such operations is limited and the number of police officers is inadequate. Though we recognize that violence is commonplace in a metropolis like Jakarta, we must also understand the anxiety of the Jakarta residents. Certainly we do not wish to see more violence.

We hope that police officers play a greater role in defending the public from criminals who feel they have nothing to lose by their actions.

-- Republika, Jakarta