Military involvement in fight against terrorism is final

Discussions of a special team on revising Law No 15 of 2003 concluded that the involvement of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) is final in the fight against terrorism, M. Syafii, the special team's chairman, stated.

"The matter related to the involvement of the TNI has been comprehensively discussed by the special and working teams," Syafi'i, a legislator of the Gerindra Party, stated at the Parliament Building, here, Tuesday.

"The team is keen to synchronize the authorities of the TNI, police, and the Agency for Protection of Witnesses and Victims, which is in accordance with the Law on Terrorism," he said.

Terrorism is also a threat to the country, hence the TNI has the authority to deal with it according to Law No 34/2004.

Despite the presence of the Counter-Terrorism Agency and Indonesian Police's counter-terrorism special squad Special Detachment 88, the task to ensure the safety of the president and vice president comes under the authority of the TNI.

Securing the Exclusive Economic Zone as well as Indonesian-flagged ships and aircraft is also the responsibility of the Indonesian military and not the police.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo is keen to witness the anti-terror bill soon clear its discussion phase, as a follow-up measure to face the threat of terrorism.

The president made the statement during a plenary cabinet meeting he led to discuss preparations for the upcoming Eid holiday at the Bogor Presidential Palace, recently.

"We need to be able to provide a sense of security to the community during the Eid holiday. We also need to be cautious of threats, especially those related to terrorism," he stated.

Hence, Widodo has sought the completion of the anti-terror bill in the near future.

"I would like the anti-terror bill to immediately be pursued in the house and with the minister of political, legal, and security affairs, and I would like the discussion related to the bill to be completed as soon as possible," the president stated.

He believes that there is an urgent need for the bill to be passed in Indonesia, as it would help security personnel to take actions on the field.

"The National Military Force (TNI) must be given the authority to participate in the process of finalizing the bill, as I believe the minister of political, legal, and security affairs has made the required preparations," he remarked. 

Source: ANTARA