Govt to impose new security measures

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.