Lawmakers rethink security after Matori attack

Lawmakers rethink security after Matori attack

JAKARTA (JP): The attack on deputy speaker of the People's
Consultative Assembly Matori Abdul Djalil stirred debate among
legislators on Tuesday about whether they should be allowed to
carry weapons.

Some insisted that they be allowed to keep firearms for
protection purposes only, but others feared it would lead to more
problems.

"I think it's normal and about time that legislators should be
allowed to carry weapons because this is aimed at self-defense,"
said Sophan Sophiaan, a legislator from the Indonesian Democratic
Party of Struggle. He said he already kept a firearm.

Matori was attacked at his home on Sunday morning by a
machete-wielding unidentified man, sustaining injuries to his
right arm and head that required 30 stitches. A FN-45 pistol was
retrieved after the attack, which is believed to have been
committed by at least two men.

State Minister of Human Rights Affairs Hasballah M. Saad
echoed Sophan's view, saying it would not be improper for high-
ranking government officials, including ministers and members of
the House, to carry guns.

"Legal possession of guns is acceptable when they feel
threatened. They need proper security," he told The Jakarta Post
in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar on Tuesday.

Hasballah was in Makassar for the signing of a memorandum of
understanding between his office and state Hasanuddin University.

The idea to permit legislators to carry guns was first brought
up by Sophan's colleague, Julius Usman, during a hearing of House
Commission II for home and legal affairs with National Police
Chief Lt. Gen. Rusdihardjo on Monday.

Rusdihardjo said he would consider the suggestion.

Legislator Yasril Ananta Baharuddin of the Golkar Party
discounted the idea on Tuesday, saying it would invite further
disorder.

"I totally disagree with the idea of letting House members
carry guns because this could be misused, or we could even end up
shooting at each other," Yusril said.

"What is more important now is whether the security apparatus
are up to their job or not. We have to ask them for their
accountability."

A researcher at the Center of Security and Peace Studies at
Gadjah Mada University, Samsu Rizal Panggabean, said that arming
officials would not solve the problem of a lack of security.

"It is too simplistic a conclusion to arm high-ranking
officials, except if the police think they cannot guarantee the
officials' safety anymore."

He said the attack on Matori should teach the police a lesson
about their inadequate protection of officials.

Rizal said the police would have to work hard to uncover the
facts of the case to restore a sense of security among the
people, particularly top officials.

"The police's work in this case could be the indicator of the
extent to which they can protect the government officials."

He said it would be safer to arm the officials' private
security personnel instead of arming the officials, most of whom
lacked weapon-handling skills.

"We are not like the U.S., Switzerland or other countries
which allow their citizens to possess guns. Thus, arming the
high-ranking officials will only worsen the people's
psychological perception of a lack of security.

"And those who possess illegal weapons will feel more
comfortable to have and use the illegal guns because they'll know
many high-ranking officials possess guns."

Rizal said allowing the officials to carry guns could boost
the illegal trade in weapons.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who also chairs the Indonesian
Shooting and Hunting Association (Perbakin), called on the police
to conduct sweeps for weapons and to restrict firearm imports.

"Perbakin was the sole importer for sports purposes. There are
several importers now due to the new demand for defense
purposes," he said at City Hall.

"This condition has made it difficult for the security
authorities to control distribution of weapons."

He said security authorities should control weapon
distribution from the outset.

"We can identify not only the owners, but traders and
producers."

He believed the illegal distribution of weapons was rife. "The
weapons can be smuggled through airports or seaports. I'm sure of
it." (27/44/dja/sur/nvn)