Uphold the law, don't trample it

Uphold the law, don't trample it

From Media Indonesia

Senior police officers have said that the clash between demonstrators of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and some police personnel, followed by the police blockade at the FPI headquarters in Petamburan, Slipi on Oct. 15 indicated the police were guilty of excesses in the enforcement of the law.

Several demonstrators were injured and arrested by the police. Several reporters were also hit and their cameras and video cassettes confiscated. It is really regrettable that some members of the police have a tendency to act violently, making the situation worse.

The police said that as law enforcers they were within the bounds of the law in carrying out their duty. This is mere rhetoric. It proves that the police's attitude remains unchanged in this era of transparency. Therefore, the police, both individually and institutionally, need to introspect in carrying out all their duties. They should uphold the law, not trample it.

SUGENG PRIHATIN

Jakarta