Street justice still rampant

Almost every day, we read in local newspapers of suspected thieves being tortured to death in a variety of ways, some of which could not even be imagined by any humane person. In most of these cases these murderers got away with their crimes. Indonesia may be the only country where such horrific crimes occur on daily basis.

We have been humiliated by being ranked "the most corrupt country" and the news of such crimes, not to mention other social crimes in which victims -- regardless of gender -- are often attacked viciously, do not help mend the image of Indonesia. It does not make sense that petty theft often leads to a bloody murder by a passing crowd or a neighborhood community. How could these crowds justify their barbaric acts? Clearly to punish a suspected thief is not it.

Anyone with a reasonable sense of humanity could sense the immense hatred and disrespect for human life which make people commit such cruel acts. Consequently, it is not at all surprising to learn of young students murdered by other students.

One cannot help but think: What has a student who sets out from home to school got to do with a machete or any other weapon?

The society plays a very significant role in educating younger generations and what could a violent society possibly teach the youngsters? Rather it has set examples of how to indulge in violence over petty disputes. The sad thing is that so far the authorities have not taken these crimes seriously nor have any effective measures been taken. In fact it is the task of our society as a whole to prevent these crimes.

Perhaps religious leaders should help educate people because mosques are where people regularly gather. Otherwise it will not be long before unscrupulous crowds attack innocent people, their homes and properties for their own justification. By that time, it would be too late for anyone to intervene. "Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath (really) prohibited you from: "..........Come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law..."(S.VI.151).

W. AGUS TJAHJONO

Jakarta