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