Minister discusses revised terror law

JAKARTA: Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said on Tuesday the revised antiterrorism law would not allow intelligence officers to arrest or investigate suspects.

The minister said the police would remain the primary agency for carrying out those two tasks.

"It is not our intention that the revision would give such authority to the intelligence agencies," Yusril said.

However, the proposed revisions would provide a clear legal foundation for the Indonesian Military to take part in the fight against terrorism. The military would be given the power to take preemptive steps to prevent terrorist attacks, he said.

"In almost every country in the world, the military plays such a role in combating terrorism," he said.

The revision was prompted by the latest terrorist attack in the country. Last month's bombing at the JW Marriott Hotel in South Jakarta killed 12 people. -- JP