The death of law

The death of law

From Panji

The disappearance of Tommy Soeharto, who cannot be touched by the law, is the factual condition of the law in Indonesia. The law in this country has been paralyzed from the beginning.

Corruptors in this country still freely "wander about", even in government offices. The law cannot touch them unless a person in power wants to take revenge. Even if they are tried, their chances of being freed are pretty good. With some clandestine negotiations and money they can easily be freed by the court. Police officers, prosecutors, lawyers and judges are all available for such shameful negotiations.

Even if some of them are sentenced to prison, they can still secretly negotiate with the prison officials.

Tommy has even refused to be jailed and yet the upholders of the law can still smile on TV, as do police chief Bimantoro, Yusril Ihza Mahendra and Tommy's lawyers.

Law observer Karni Ilyas said he stopped writing in May 1998 because the law had become factually unconscious. And now the law has been totally paralyzed.

The degree of rioters' brutality in May 1998 is no more than the degree of Tommy's brutality. Tommy has robbed the law of its essence, has torn it and has thrown it in the ditch in front of us. Those in power should be ashamed of what is going on, and should resign for being unable to uphold the law.

ANDI SAID JAMALUDDIN

Jakarta