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