Just an additional thought on this issue.

Maybe this is a prelude to Shariah Law which some elements may one to institute?

p.s.

The legal system in Indonesia will be a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.

Can the police then be as enthusiastic to apprehend all those unlicensed taxi operators touting at the terminal? All those who defy the law by smoking in restricted areas? Those who are selling illegal items?

Etc., etc., etc.,

These children are not on trial here. It is Indonesian law, the justice system, basic human decency and good old common sense that are on trial. And the courtroom is full - the civilized world is watching.

'This is Not a Case,' Says Lawyer for Tangerang Kids Charged with Gambling

I would like to comment about the case of the children currently being prosecuted for gambling (a game of heads-or-tails) and shining shoes at Jakarta airport.

It is with great anger and a deep sense of frustration that I read about the plight of these poor children. What these kids are being put though is nothing short of a crime against humanity. The authorities, the airport police and prosecutor, are not fit to hold the positions that they do. I would also include the judges, as they should have immediately dismissed this ludicrous case and reprimanded all those involved in pursuing this barbaric action.

I understand that these children, minors between the ages of 8 and 13 years, were held in a penitentiary for in excess of one month, alongside serious criminals including drug dealers, being subjected to God only knows what violations. Reportedly they have also been tortured by their captors by been made to lie in the sun; have been forced to miss the opportunity to sit an end of year exam, seriously impacting on their education, and that their families have been forced to sell belongs in order to be able to gain access to them whilst in jail: and for what crime? They were apparently playing some nickel game, which kid's all over the World play, and trying to make a few Rupiah for their impoverished families by shining shoes. How can any civilized society possibly hold such minors responsible for these minor violations of a law that was quite obviously not meant for such an act?

By even proceeding with this case the authorities have demonstrated a complete lack of any human compassion. I firmly believe that to most normal people, the actions of the police and the prosecutors in this case is evil and revolting. I would have thought that there are enough real and serious crimes for these people to be spending their time and the countries money on.

I repeat my first statement: The actions of the authorities, the airport police and prosecutor, and all who are involved and condone this disgusting violation of all things human, are not fit to hold the positions that they do. And if, as it has been reported, this is how they act towards children, almost infants, they themselves should be investigated for this wicked abuse: one hopes that those of them that have children, do-not treat their own in such an appalling way.

Directly to Airport police chief Sr. Comr. Guntur Setyanto, Prosecutor Reski Diniarty, Judges Retno Pudyaningtyas, Perdana Ginting and Ismail: Have you got no sense of true justice or personal feelings of guilt? Please be sure that you are looked on by most in this country who have read this story, and by anybody who reads it from across the World, as wicked and not fit to carry official office. It would surprise me if even your own families were not ashamed of your actions.

I would encourage all Jakarta Globe readers to make their feelings felt by also writing in and expressing their opinion over the actions taken by the above.

Peter Ramsey – London and Indonesia