Legal action against officials a deterrent

Legal action against officials a deterrent

Some of us would show concern if former Jakarta Police chief
General Sofjan Jacoeb was truly involved in the smuggling of
Mercedes Benz cars. Why are we concerned about it? Because we
have empathy with whomsoever is implicated in a case, found
guilty and punished.

However, the case of luxury car smuggling must of course be
investigated so that it will be transparent, and measures can be
taken against those involved who have abused their authority and
violated the law.

Legal action against important people can help to effectively
prevent and eliminate corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Why can legal actions against important or powerful people
involved in violating the law serve as a deterrent?
Psychologically, people will perceive that if powerful
individuals can be convicted those in lower positions will not be
spared. It means that the government and law enforcers are really
serious about enforcing the law.

Take smuggling for example. The cases are many: large, medium
and small. Those caught red-handed smuggling narcotics have often
been openly reported by the media.

Meanwhile, most of us have some doubt whether contraband trade
in the open sea has also been effectively overcome. The question
arises as to the parties involved in smuggling cases, whether
they are only private citizens, officials, or also include
personnel from related state agencies.

--Kompas, Jakarta