Meeting to stop crime

From Berita Buana

The first phase of the police investigation into the murder of Rohadi's wife and three of his children in the Bambu Apus area of East Jakarta led to the suspicion that the murder must have been committed by somebody living nearby.

It still puzzles me how such brutal murder could have taken place. The more so because it is surmised that the cause of the violent action was a prohibition voiced by the victim to plant cassava in the latter's garden.

I have lived in Jakarta for decades and have always led a peaceful life with my neighbors. It does not make sense that a small thing could cause such a sadistic murder. Are there no other reasons behind the murder?

Whatever the case, we must admit that our neighborhood life in the capital city has deteriorated over the years. Members of the neighborhood organization are difficult to contact because they are busy elsewhere. They often come home late in the evening. Neighbors very seldom meet.

It is advisable that neighborhood organizations hold regular social gatherings attended by married couples, not just by the wives during the daytime, such as an arisan.

Also, children can meet more often and not only on special occasions like national holidays.

All these activities will enhance closer ties among neighbors. This will prevent such happenings as the murder of Rohadi's wife and three children.

MOH. SUHEIMI

Jakarta