Street justice still rampant

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