On bad guys always win

Most of Arief Budiman's articles are very interesting to read. They awaken our consciousness about injustices and wrongdoings in our society committed by power holders and their apparatuses.

When we are aware of these social wounds, we should try to heal them. None of those who have struggled for justice so far have reaped any fruits. Evidently, there is still much malpractice prevailing in our society.

Arief Budiman's article Why should bad guys always win? (The Jakarta Post, May 20) blamed the system for the prevailing unhealthy social condition. It is the system that does not create a mechanism whereby wrongdoings could be reduced. The system has been created and further, becomes a culture.

Don't we all contribute to the perpetuation of this culture? We are too afraid to say "no" to the wrong and "yes" to the right. Eddy Tansil's case is an example of this ill culture. Eddy Tansil helped to perpetuate the system; in fact, he should regret his wrongdoings by not bribing the prison wardens to seek his escape. He should be more patriotic and bear all responsibility.

Arief said that the system is the only factor to blame. But Arief, please don't say that Eddy Tansil is actually a good guy who was trapped by the bad guys.

ROBERTUS BILITEA

Jakarta