Defense bill passed into law

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) passed a bill mandating the creation of a council to help the President develop a policy on national defense into law Monday.

Under the legislation, the creation of the National Defense Council, Wantanas, will help assist President Megawati formulate a general policy on the nation's defense, aimed specifically at safeguarding territorial integrity.

The law stipulates that the policy must be geared towards defense of Indonesia from threats both internal and external.

It also requires that the National Military chief is appointed and terminated by the President on the approval of the House of Representatives.

"The law needs to be socialized soon, so that the public will have clear understanding about it," said Defense Minister Matori Abdul Djalil. --JP