Why not ban firecrackers?

Why not ban firecrackers?

From Media Indonesia

During every fasting month of Ramadhan, ulema repeatedly call for the total closure of entertainments venues, an appeal which is certainly welcome by most Muslims in this country.

However, there is something else that ulema should be doing: calling for stern punishment of those who are playing with firecrackers, as those people are not only causing terrible discomfort during the day and night, but also serious harm to others.

Ulema should be able to play a bigger role in solving this problem as security officers do not seem to be responsive to the matter. Firecrackers abound in this city. Traders feel completely free to trade them, even near a police station, while the police seem to apply double standards in enforcing the law.

In meting out penalties, the police only base their actions on a district ruling instead of the Emergency Law No.12 (1951), which imposes penalties on the manufacturer, seller and user of firecrackers.

We hope that both the Indonesian Ulemas Council and security officers can take strong measures against those responsible.

WAHYU

Jakarta