OPINION: Civil society after Akbar's acquittal
The Jakarta Post, 17 February 2004. A friend won a bet on Akbar's release. ""I told you so! Our oh-so-reliable Supreme Court will release him!"" he said sarcastically after claiming his prize -- a bag of peanuts. The release of Akbar Tandjung was the climax to disappointments over the Indonesian judicial system throughout the reform period. Some said it was to be expected. Yet, it tasted despicably bitter when it actually happened. Saying that the Supreme Court has no sense of crisis would be the understatement of the year. It is rather comical to hear those who urge the public to ""respect"" the Supreme Court's decision, as the judiciary has made a mockery of justice, as well as democracy. Fortunately, civil society does not use force to challenge this mockery of justice, although, there has been violence on the streets involving students. Since the Indonesian judiciary seems to have very little conscience, it cannot be relied up