Yet another controversy

The public worry, if that's the right expression, over the planned formation of a civilian militia is based on actual experience gained from past incidents. The volunteer vigilante guards who caused such a huge controversy because of their rowdy conduct during the recent Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly are but the latest illustration of such a body which is set up for temporary -- not to say political -- purposes.

The explanation offered by (Armed Forces Chief) Gen. Wiranto has indeed helped somewhat to ease the distrust and the tendency of people to negatively view almost every step the government takes, in particular when it concerns matters of public security. The setting up of a civilian militia is indeed legally warranted. An urgent need for such a step also exists, not only because our police personnel are grossly inadequate in number in comparison to our population, but also the increasing lack of observance of the law presently seen in our communities.

Why are people so full of distrust with regard to the setting up of a civilian militia? The answer to this question is simple enough: It is because of security apparatus itself has so far failed to set an example as regards the enforcement and observance of the law. The question is, if our police were capable of performing as they should, would a 40,000 strong civilian militia still be needed? On the other hand, if even the police are unable to behave properly, those 40,000 civilian militia members might add to the disorder that already exists in the streets and in crime-infested areas.

Nevertheless, though doubts exist, there may be nothing wrong in our trying to learn to trust the government's good intentions in guaranteeing public security.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta