Punishment for rapists

Punishment for rapists

From Bisnis Indonesia

Robbery combined with rape have caused a great deal of anger among the public. A private radio station has aired a discussion on the topic and invited the public to comment by telephone.

The general comment is that a harsher punishment is needed for rapists to deter such a crime. The maximum punishment is 12 years but it is very seldom that someone guilty of the crime is given the maximum sentence.

One judge has given an incredibly light sentence of only three months. It is as if the judge did not use his commonsense and treated the case lightly.

The public also resents the fact that most courts in Indonesia favor those of the power elite or financially strong clients according to the case. And no justice seems to be the rule of the day for the unfortunates. A number of bribery cases involving judges recently unveiled are only a small part of the social illness.

Stricter control should by made by the Supreme Court on judges who mete out illogical sentences, since it is the only fortress of justice for the common people. The case of Kedung Ombo dam is one example.

A listener called the radio station suggesting changing the current punishment into capital punishment or a 60-year jail term.

I believe the punishment should be life at the minimum because it equals the period of time the victim will suffer; the rest of her life.

I hope the people, legislators and lawyers will work together to change the current law. Particularly in light of the fact that several little girls have been raped recently, casting a pall over their lives and breaking their parents' hearts.

SURYANTO WIBOWO

Jakarta