Wiranto belittles critics of bill on state security<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Gen. Wiranto
\nlambasted on Wednesday critics of the bill on state security and
\ncivilian militia, arguing that much of the opposition was based
\nmerely on undue suspicion and a lack of understanding of the
\nbill's objectives.<\/p>\n
Wiranto, who is also Indonesian Military (TNI) chief, also
\nblasted demands to postpone the deliberation of the controversial
\nbill, contending that the issue was being used for individual
\npolitical interests.<\/p>\n
He urged critics to carefully study the bill before voicing
\ntheir opposition, saying he believed many people condemned the
\nbill without truly understanding its substance.<\/p>\n
\"Their reactions are based on voracious distrust and fear that
\nthis bill is only a part of a plan and systematic plot to
\nstrengthen the government's position and TNI's domination,\"
\nWiranto told the House of Representative's committee deliberating
\nthe details of the bill.<\/p>\n
Major political parties, and the Indonesian Democratic Party
\n(PDI) faction in the House, have demanded the bill's deliberation
\nbe postponed until the new House is installed in October.<\/p>\n
The bill grants the president the power to declare a state of
\nemergency in troubled territories. The president would also be
\nallowed to delegate his or her authority to the military, which
\nwould then be given unlimited power in cracking down on threats
\nto state security.<\/p>\n
The military would be authorized to carry out investigations
\nand raids, and take over all mail and telecommunications
\nfacilities. In a state of emergency, a ban or limitation on
\nstreet demonstrations, print and electronic media would also be
\nallowed.<\/p>\n
Under the bill, the military would also be given full
\nauthority to prevent individuals from entering or leaving the
\ncountry, isolate \"troubled individuals and areas\" and set
\ncurfews.<\/p>\n
\"Many people claim the bill would be used to crush and quell
\naspirations which differ from those of the ruler,\" Wiranto said.<\/p>\n
According to him, the state security bill is merely the
\nimplementation of People's Consultative Assembly decree No. 10.<\/p>\n
Wiranto said the bill was also meant to replace Law No.
\n23\/1959 on a state of emergency, and government regulation No.
\n6\/1960 on military assistance, which he said were no longer
\nappropriate.<\/p>\n
\"If the (old) law is maintained it will severely affect our
\ndemocracy and human rights,\" Wiranto said, as quoted by Antara.
\n(prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wiranto-belittles-critics-of-bill-on-state-security-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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