'Kidnappers are out of control and everywhere'

'Kidnappers are out of control and everywhere'

The ongoing kidnapping and murder cases, allegedly involving two
brothers, have caught the attention of the public. The fact the
kidnappers have not only demanded a ransom but have also brutally
raped and murdered some of their prey, have shocked the nation.
Some parents shared their views with The Jakarta Post.

Ningsih, 27, is a housewife who lives in Depok with her
husband and two children:

Certainly, I am worried about the kidnapping gang. I read and
watch on television how cruelly they tortured the children just
to extort money from their parents.

Actually they target not only little girls but also boys. So,
it is not impossible that they could also be brutally raped.

I'm afraid it could happen to my son. The kidnappers are out
of control and operating everywhere.

I always tell my son before going to school to be wary of
strangers approaching him or offering something. I tell him to
run away or if it is possible to go home to call me as we live
near his school.

I also worry every time my son goes for Koran recital at night
because the mosque is quite far from our house and anything could
happen, right? Well, if I can I will accompany him and pick him
up after the recital.

Honestly, I can't stop worrying about the brutal kidnappers
that could threaten any children in the city.

It's getting harder and harder now to find people we trust.
Many criminal cases show that the bad guys are not always
complete strangers. They are even part of our close families.

The only way is just to remain watchful of all people,
including our relatives. We, as parents, should be sensitive to
any suspicion, particularly those with unusual sexual tendencies.

Rini, 34, has just resigned from her job as a lecturer. She
lives in Cibitung, Bekasi, with her husband and two children:

Well, as parents we can't deny our fears over the kidnappings.

My eldest daughter was just admitted to an elementary school
this academic year. She is very active and talkative. She is also
friendly, even with new people she has just met.

She is quite independent. I never take her to her kindergarten
as she never wants me to be with her at school.

But now I have to take and wait for her until she finishes
school. The school will soon provide cars to take the students
home after school but as a mother I always remind her not to
engage with a complete stranger. It seems she can understand
this.

Even when she plays with her friends at our housing complex, I
have to stay close to her.

Nobody can be trusted now.

I think close monitoring and proportional protection will help
anticipate possible kidnappings. I also keep an eye on any
residents in my complex.

Nanik, 38, is a housewife who resides in Cengkareng, West
Jakarta with her husband and three children:

Frankly speaking, I don't want to worry too much about the
possible kidnapping. But it does not mean that I lose control
over my children.

Fortunately, my youngest son goes to a reputable elementary
school, which means I don't have to accompany him all day at
school.

I have talked with his teachers about my son and who will pick
him up each day. I am sure the teachers are trustworthy.

The teachers maintain good communications with the parents in
many ways. After school, every pupil is not allowed to leave the
school until the teachers are sure a family member has come to
collect them.

I like the school system. I believe they have a strong
commitment to ensuring the pupils are safe.

As I am busy all day with business, I have hired an ojek
(motorcycle taxi) driver to collect my children after school.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.