Stern measures needed

Stern measures needed

From Merdeka

The riots in Tasikmalaya and its vicinity were clearly a violation of the law by police members against people of the Condong Cibeureum Islamic school in Tasikmalaya. There is no need to look for scapegoats.

Stern measures must be taken against those police members who have vilified the good name of the National Police, Armed Forces and government. They should be sued, based on the Subversion Law, in consideration of the impact their brutal acts have had. This is especially the case as the riots may disturb national stability.

The Board of the Indonesian Environment Management concurs with the statement of West Java Regional Police Chief Maj. Gen. Nana Permana that the responsible police members should be dismissed from the Armed Forces. The Armed Forces need to be rid of members who willingly create gaps between them and the people.

Although instability does not originate in destructive behavior within the Armed Forces and the police alone, we need to acknowledge that we are all responsible for finding a solution to our nation's problems.

We believe the Tasikmalaya riots are not connected with religious matters; the riots had their origin in the community's anger against the arbitrariness of police members, who mistreated a number of widely respected Islamic school teachers and students.

We support the instigation of legal action against criminals who took advantage of the event's chaos. Furthermore, we fully support the restoration of stability in Tasikmalaya and its vicinity to be taken by the government and local community leaders; these people must give priority to the spirit of community harmony.

AGUS MIFTACH

Jakarta