'We have to fight kidnappers, not fear them'

'We have to fight kidnappers, not fear them'

A gang of serial kidnappers has monopolized front page headlines
in local media. The gang not only demanded a ransom, but also
raped and murdered some of their victims. Police are working hard
to solve the case. The Jakarta Post talked to several children
about the issue. Below is their reaction.

Daru, 8, is a second grade student at a private school in West
Jakarta:

I'm not scared of the kidnappers at all. Why should I be
afraid of them? They are like thieves, aren't they? We must fight
them instead of fear them.

I have a lot of friends. At least 20 of them would help me
fight the bad guys.

Besides, I have an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver who always
picks me up after school. I know him well. He would help protect
me.

If criminals or kidnappers came near me, I would scream so
loud that everyone would help me. And I would run into a crowd of
people.

Sena, 9, is a fourth grade student at a state elementary
school in Bogor:

I'm scared to death of kidnappers. Your story is really scary,
let alone the rapist. I asked my mother whether a boy like me
could be raped by bad men.

I would run and go home if bad people wanted to do something
bad to me. I would scream very loud to get my parents' attention.

My parents have told me not to accept gifts or money from
strangers. I always listen to what they tell me.

Even if a stranger gave me candy, I wouldn't touch it. I would
prefer to run away from him.

Dion, 6, is a first grade student at a private elementary
school in Tangerang:

I am afraid of kidnappers. They are bad guys. I am scared of
criminals.

If some criminals wanted to do bad things to me, I'd tell my
teacher and ask her to help me fight the crooks. I have lots of
friends who would definitely help me.

My nanny sometimes accompanies me when I go to school. She
always keeps an eye on me. I could go to her and ask for her
protection, right?

But my teacher and my mother told me to stay away from
strangers. I must reject whatever they offer me. It is dangerous.
My teacher has also told all my classmates the same thing.

Risma, 9, is a third grade student at a state elementary
school in West Jakarta:

Of course I'm afraid of criminals. Especially those who dare
to kidnap a child like myself. I'm scared that something bad
could happen to me if I'm not careful.

Of course, I don't want to be kidnapped. Is it true that the
criminals like to kidnap little girls like me?

My parents have told me always to be careful and remain alert
when I am at school. I must make friends with all my classmates.
I have many friends at school and I am happy with them.

I must avoid strangers who offer things. I was told to report
any strangers trying to approach me to my teachers or my parents.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.