Vicious life

Vicious life

From Merdeka

Who says the Indonesian community is polite, religious and has
deep faith in God Almighty? Yes, many people do have a solid
faith in their religious teachings, however, more people in the
community have dirty minds. Gambling, prostitution, drinking,
pornography and corruption are easy to find in a large city like
Jakarta. These indecent practices have gone to the point of no
return. So the authorities have begun to take harsh measures
against those involved; the operation is particularly carried out
in the metropolitan area. News reports state that many of the
vices have been wiped out.

As a matter of fact, vice is a social disease as old as human
civilization. People know that the dirty life existed during the
lives of the prophets. Who exactly has the right and might to
wipe out the evils? Basically, everybody is responsible for
combating them. But, those who have power are the most capable of
eliminating such vices.

Take the case of strong drink. Forbidding people from selling
alcohol is not enough. As long as it is produced it will be
available on the market. Therefore, why don't we just close the
factories that produce it even if the state income declines as a
result.

The same is true with obscene films. Harsh measures are
necessary to wipe them out. Mere appeals to film producers to
produce quality films have proved unsuccessful. Sanctions must be
imposed. In this case the Department of Information should do
something to stop production of films that promote sex and
exploit woman's bodies. The best way to combat these vices is
through power. The government has been successful in dealing with
politics and the economy, why should it be powerless in the
social and cultural area?

NOVIANTI AND LILIES

SETYOWATI

Jakarta