Protect foreign nationals

Protect foreign nationals

From Rakyat Merdeka

The government of a country must protect its citizens as well as foreign nationals legally residing there. The Indonesian government also has this obligation. There is more to protecting the safety of U.S. and British nationals, for example, than just providing armored personnel vehicles.

As a law-abiding state, Indonesia must enforce the law against certain social groups insisting on carrying out raids against foreign nationals. We need not resort to flag burning like in other countries because it is illegal and shameful. There are articles in our criminal code that carry penalties for such acts. Our criminal code even stipulates that a crime against friendly countries and against heads or representatives of friendly countries carries a maximum penalty of death.

Considering these legal stipulations and given the facts in the field, it is only proper that the U.S. envoy has sought protection. Our legislators should not just get emotional about this matter.

ATILA GRAZIANI SJAFEI

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