Peddlers' fate

From Republika

I work in an office on Jl. Rasuna Said. On July 18 at about 2 p.m. it seemed many peddlers were running for their lives while being chased by uniformed public order officers. I was quite taken aback by the scene.

The following conversation took place between an officer and myself: "What is going on, pak?" I asked politely. "Rounding up peddlers," he replied gruffly. "What have they done wrong?" I asked further. "Do you want to be caught too?" he challenged me, looking sour. "For what offense would you detain me?" I asked smilingly. Another officer told me not to interfere. One gentleman, named Agus, added: "If you want to know what is going on, ask the mayor!"

I strongly deplore the attitude of those officers. One of them said peddling was not good. I really do not understand. Do peddlers not earn an honest living? I think they are better than healthy women carrying babies (whose babies?) begging at traffic lights.

Besides, if the public order officers did not know the reason for the raid, why did they jog with alacrity while chasing peddlers under the hot afternoon sun?

Are raids the only way to eradicate peddlers? They are not criminals, are they?

Before the government attempts to educate peddlers, perhaps it would be a good idea if it educate its public order officers in better manners.

R. DEWI

Jakarta