'One should be held responsible for one's actions'

The murder of waiter Yohannes "Rudy" Berchmans Haerudy Natong has outraged most Jakartans. The Jakarta Post asked some people about the incident.

Wawan, 21, a student of Trisakti University in Grogol, West Jakarta. He lives in the Bintaro Jaya housing complex in Tangerang.

The recent incident at the Hilton Hotel was horrifying. An innocent man was killed by a gun-toting man, whose name is widely known.

The victim probably never dreamed the suspect would shoot him with so many people there.

We can learn from the incident. It could happen to any one of us. Therefore, I hope the police will comprehensively investigate the case and punish the murderer.

It is time to show that they are not discriminative in enforcing the law. It is time to show that one must take responsibility for what one does.

I'm concerned about the wide circulation of firearms. It seems that the police are powerless to stop the distribution of dangerous weapons.

Folber Siallagan, 30, works for a printing company in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. He resides on Jl. Raya Ciledug in South Jakarta.

I strongly disagree with the idea of allowing civilians to own guns. It's too risky since civilians are not specially trained to use firearms.

If people want to feel secure, they can hire security guards, who have received special training and legally possess firearms. Important people can use the services of the police, too.

We can all see that the misuse of firearms is rampant even though there are strict requirements for those applying for a gun license. The situation will only get worse if we start allowing civilians to carry guns.

Erfan, 29, works at an electronics company in Bekasi, West Java. He lives in Cawang, East Jakarta.

It can be frightening to go outside alone in Jakarta as robbers are everywhere, and it could be me who is robbed and shot next time. Sadly, I don't feel that the police can protect me. Even though they may be nearby, I still feel insecure.

It seems to me that's why people want to own guns. They don't feel secure even if police are nearby. So, I agree that civilians should be able to own guns to make them feel more secure.

The problem is that many people get a gun without having to follow the required procedures. As long as they have the money they can own a gun even if they are psychologically incapable. This is because the police, who issue permits and control gun circulation, can easily be bribed. -- The Jakarta Post