Rape stats defy trend

JAKARTA (JP): Rape was the only exception as the crime rate fell drastically nationwide during the nearly month-long campaign, the police reported yesterday.

Overall incidence of general crimes plummeted during the campaigning period from April 27 to May 23, National Police Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi said.

A downturn was noted for robberies, petty thefts, motorvehicle thefts, assault and battery and other crimes during the campaign.

"Strangely, there were more rapes during that time," Nurfaizi said, adding that he could not explain the discrepancy.

He said there were a couple of incidents in which women became acquainted with men during campaign motorcades. The rapes occurred after the women agreed to meet the men later in the evening.

Nurfaizi said the overall crime index rose again during the cooling off period following the campaign, but decreased on and around voting day on May 29.

"Criminals turn out to have a strong sense of political awareness," quipped Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Slamet Supriadi, who was present at the briefing.

The Armed Forces deployed extra security forces from the onset of the campaign. Some of these troops are now being gradually withdrawn. (emb)