Sat, 25 Jun 2005

Observing justice

Schapelle Corby was found guilty by the court in Denpasar, Bali, of drug trafficking. Watching the people who do not agree with the outcome of the court's 20-year sentence for Corby, one should think of what drugs are doing to our children, not only in Indonesia, but all over the world. As drugs are killing, traffickers should be punished with the maximum penalty.

Whether one agrees or not, there is a saying "where there is smoke there is fire". While a minority always has the loudest voice -- as they know they are wrong -- this apparently is the only way for them to get their message across.

Why does the majority never open their mouths -- because they seem to agree, but you don't hear them. If they voiced their opinion openly you would find that those in agreement about the verdict were in the greatest percentage.

It is not fair to attack the justice system of a country where we are visitors or expatriates. We must accept Indonesian law and culture.

Regretfully, many people only see what is written or aired through the media. However, living in the country as a expatriate, Indonesia seems to be generally a good country to work in. But if you cannot adjust to the culture, adopt it and respect the people, then you should leave this country.

GERARD VERBEEK Bandung