Your comments on the violent demonstration in the North Sumatra capital of Medan which killed Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council Speaker Abdul Aziz Angkat, who died after allegedly being beaten by the demonstrators.
The government has to enforce law enforcement and keep Indonesian unity in mind.
E Nurdin
Jakarta.
When a child gets spanked by parents, it is the child's first lesson on violence. When the child sees his parents shout at each other, it is another lesson on violence.
When the child watches violent acts from the mass media and movies over and over again, it is a continuing lesson on violence and the child may grow up to become a violent individual.
Andoko Darta
Jakarta
These guys want a province? They show they do not have the brains to manage it! They are a bunch of spear throwers!
The police officers did nothing; they all should be put in a military prison doing hard labor for their negligence and stupidity.
Anto Kusama
Jakarta
The police say that this elderly man did not die from the beating but from a heart attack. If he had not been beaten, however, he would not have suffered a heart attack. The police statement, as such, is ridiculous.
I hear comments that the police cannot prevent people from conducting demonstrations because Indonesia is now a democratic country. Is it considered democratic, however, when people are allowed to publicly beat others?
Peaceful demonstrations are justifiable, and acceptable, but such as was seen yesterday, and has been seen so many times recently, is pure anarchy and it is time that severe action was taken against the perpetrators as a warning to others who seek to impose their will by means of violence.
Lutfy Malik
This is very sad. Democracy was not established so people could speak up for their rights by using violence. My condolences to the family and I hope they find forgiveness in their hearts for their father's attackers.
It is very important security and police officers be more vigilant so we can prevent something similar happening in the future.
Diana Josephine
Jakarta
Because of the violent nature of the protest, which sadly resulted in the death of an elected representative, the government must refuse to grant permission for this breakaway province.
To do otherwise would send a message that mob violence is a legitimate means of achieving a political goal. Democracy can't work unless all groups realize that violence will be counterproductive.
David
Jakarta
The violence occurred in Medan due to the weak security by the police force.
Their number was insufficient. They were not armed with adequate equipment such as water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets etc. Therefore, they failed to prevent demonstrators from entering the council building and then running amok.
The police also failed to conduct a proper intelligence operation to anticipate the possible effects of the demonstration.
With such, the same thing should not happen again, the police would be ready to implement their duties according to standard operating procedures and with professionalism, anywhere and at any time.
Abdul Rahim
Tangerang, Banten
