Govt to impose new security measures

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In response to Tuesday's bomb blast at the five-star JW Marriott hotel in South Jakarta, the government plans to impose new security measures that may upset some people.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Wednesday that early detection efforts involving intelligence, police and immigration officers would be one of the measures.

He did not give details of the plan but hinted that certain restrictions would be imposed on the people.

He urged rights activists to understand the policies.

"I know that we (the government) have to uphold human rights, but please remember that a People's Consultative Assembly decree gives an exception in the national interest. In relation to religious and moral issues, as well as security and order, we can put aside human rights issues," Susilo told a press conference here on Wednesday.

At least 10 people were killed and 149 injured on Tuesday when a powerful bomb ripped through the lobby of the JW Marriot Hotel in South Jakarta.

"The government will impose these restrictions ... maybe you will be inspected before entering certain places and the likes, but this is all because we want to prevent the fall of more victims ... so please, don't come up with complaints," Susilo said.

He called on rights activists to look at the number of innocent victims who suffered the most due to terrorist acts.

Susilo also said the government would strengthen security systems at private, government and public buildings, and facilities across the country by applying basic security requirements.

He did not elaborate further, but underlined that "standard requirements which these facilities must meet will be announced soon."

"A place will never be considered as a safe place until it can be assured that the whole compound is free from possible threats," Susilo said.

Susilo also said the government would improve public participation in combating terrorism and establish a mechanism in which people would be able to report to local police or other agencies if they perceive possible terrorist activities in their community.

Todung Mulya Lubis, human rights activist-cum-lawyer, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that individual checking at public places, such as airports, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls, was still acceptable as measures against terrorists.

"After the Marriott bombing, we should be extra careful and must make compromises because basically we are all against terrorism," he said.

However, Todung rejected any kind of arrest without evidence.

"Such practices are considered as violating human rights and unacceptable despite the war against terrorism," he said.

He also stated that the government should not only rely on checking individuals, but become more pro-active.

"The Marriott bombing somehow shows the failure of the Indonesian intelligence service," Todung said.

Hendardi, also a human rights activist from the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), warned the government against putting the blame on other parties.

"The way the government puts the blame on other parties shows their weaknesses, as well as the failure of the intelligence service," he said.

He also agreed with Todung, saying body checks at public places were still tolerable, as long as security offices were not rough.