Unveiling crimes in urban, suburban areas

Crimes among poor people in urban and suburban areas across the country has increased during the past two to three years. Taxi drivers and rented motorbike drivers have become the victims of crimes.

These crimes have seemingly been ignored by many people who have been overwhelmed by big issues, such as the proposed amendments to the 1945 Constitution, the country's huge debt, the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), and the debate whether or not President Megawati Soekarnoputri must attend the commemoration of East Timor's first independence day on May 20.

Ignoring the tendency toward rising crimes among poor people in urban and suburban areas is a big mistake.

Could this country progress if it disregards reality?

Protecting people from all walks of life is the task of the country, isn't it?

-- Republika, Jakarta