'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.