Minister cautious about antiterrorism move
Minister cautious about antiterrorism move
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Despite the extensive authority decreed by the President to fight
terrorism, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security
Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced on Monday cautious
policies in handling terrorism.
In the prepared press briefing on Monday, Susilo declared the
establishment of an anti-terrorism body to support the decision-
making process and coordinate the operation against terrorism.
It also recommended immediate deliberation of bills on anti-
terrorism and intelligence, and the opening of a website
regarding government measures in the campaign.
"The fight against terrorists will be a long battle and
Indonesia would like to do it in a constitutional manner without
rushing into anything," Susilo said.
Susilo was given a "blank check" by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri when she issued the Presidential Instruction
No.4/2002 authorizing him to lead the anti-terrorism campaign in
the wake of Bali bombing on Oct. 12.
Many expected that Susilo, in accordance with the power
delegated by the president, would take stringent measures and
launch a quick crackdown on all movements related to terrorism.
Pursuant to its approval of the UN Security Council decision
to put Jamaah Islamiyah on its list of terrorists, Indonesia is
obliged to freeze the funds and other assets and block the
movement of the organization's members.
Susilo has so far exercised restraint in executing his
authority, and remains hesitant to take action that would ensure
the safety of the country from terrorist-related threats.
"Indonesia has an intention to fight terrorism, but it will be
conducted in accordance with the country's regulations and will
consider all current social and political sensitivities in the
country," the minister stated.
"The war against terrorism should not create more national
problems and new crises," he added.
Regarding the newly established anti-terror agency, Susilo
said that it would coordinate all intelligence, law enforcement,
evaluation, public information and international cooperation.
"The agency does not have the authority to carry out the
operation, but to coordinate the policy-making process and to
support the government," he explained.
He reiterated that the House of Representatives needed to
speed up the deliberation process of the anti-terrorism and
intelligence bills in a bid to provide a strong legal basis for
the government to move against terrorism.
For the sake of transparency, Susilo's office will open a
website, wherein the public can access government measures in the
campaign.
"We also would like to hear the public's opinion and
information regarding our efforts against terrorism. We invite
all community groups or non-governmental organizations to discuss
with us how the government deals with terrorism," he said.