The New York Times has called Indonesia a "golden economic child" and said that the nation once known for inefficiency, corruption and instability had earned a new reputation.

The country's stellar economic performance, with 6.2 percent growth expected this year, is attracting new admiration in global financial capitals. Foreign investors are paying closer attention to the country and there is newfound respect for its buoyant domestic consumer market.

This international acclaim and reputation, however, will quickly evaporate if the authorities continue to allow local organizations to take the law into their own hands.

Despite widespread public outcry and promises by the police to act against any group that incites violence, we learn that the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) is continuing to wage its "civil war" against a Christian group in Bekasi.

If the state cannot ensure the safety and protection of all citizens and if the law is so blatantly violated time after time, no amount of economic growth will mask the central problem confronting our society: lawlessness and the lack of political will by the state to confront religious groups that take the law into their own hands and intimidate followers of other faiths.

The FPI has been allowed to ride roughshod over the law for far too long. Its members routinely cause property damage and intimidate with criminal intent without fear. This has to stop and the authorities must not coddle the group. Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo and Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen Timur Pradopo, who attended the group's 12th anniversary over the weekend, should not tolerate such behavior any longer.

All citizens are guaranteed the freedom to worship under the Constitution. All citizens deserve peace and security as a basic human right. Those who violate these inalienable rights must be brought to justice.

Law and security are also the central issues in regard to the government's efforts to accelerate infrastructure development via a new draft bill that seeks to regulate land acquisition for public needs. The bill is targeted to be completed this week, according to vice presidential spokesman Yopie Hidayat.

We welcome this new sense of urgency but the fact remains that even if the bill is enacted, it will take courage and an iron will to evict people sitting on land that is to be used for infrastructure projects.

So far the government has shown no stomach for the fight and unless it does, no amount of legislation will resolve the issue.

The rule of law must be applied without fear or favor in this country if we are to see progress both on building infrastructure and protecting human rights. Land acquisitions must be carried out fairly but also firmly, while the state must uphold the rights of all citizens to worship freely.

Only when we can guarantee the rule of law will Indonesia deserve the praise coming its way.