Unspun

President Susilo Bambang Yudhono has finally broken silence about thugs who perpetrate violence in the name of Islam. But anyone expecting a strong, decisive message on the issue is in for a disappointment.

Amid criticism for failing to take action against groups like the Islam Defenders Front and Betawi Brotherhood for using violence to achieve their end, President SBY has said – wait for this – that he was concerned about the growth of militias who glorify violence in the name of religion or ethnicity.

He did not mention any group by name, reports The Jakarta Post today, but said that nobody in Indonesia has the right to dictate their views to others by means of violence.

"No element or community in this country can force their will on others, or do whatever they want and resort to lawlessness. It's time for each of us to behave responsibly."

Oh wow! I am sure that the Islam Defenders Front and the Betawi Brotherhood are quaking in their boots now.

What SBY should do is talk tough and carry out the threat. He should simply give an ultimatum to those hoodlums in language they can understand, something along the lines of: "Desist immediately or we will crack down on you. We will imprison you and ask for the toughest sentence if you go around bullying and harassing people from now on. We will also disband your organizations and make life very, very difficult for you if you still do not see the light."

Such a statement will win plaudits from the majority of Indonesians who are fed up of being tyrannized by these organizations. Unfortunatley the President is choosing a softly, softly approach.

This is all very puzzling considering that he talked tougher when it came to uncollected garbage in Bandung, as we have posted about and followed diligently in this blog. The President was even willing to threaten the Governor with an ultimatum of settling the rubbish probelm by May 23 or else have the job taken away from him.

But as we have all noticed, threats and ultimatums are only good if you're willing to follow through on it. So far the Bandung Governor is still secure in his job and trying futilely to solve the garbage problem in Bandung.

The threat made by the President has evaporated into another bad smell amid the stench of garbage in Bandung.