New security council planned

JAKARTA: The government and the House of Representatives agreed on Monday to consider establishing a national security council to advise the President on defense and internal security issues.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the council would be tasked to deal with external defense and internal security affairs in the country.

The council would process intelligence reports, debate alternative strategies and implement a course of action, Susilo said after a consultation meeting with House leaders.

The top security minister said that by establishing the council, it would ensure that "everything" would be carried out according to prevailing systems and mechanisms.

"It is hoped that there will be no unilateral or personal decision-making. Every decision will be made through an institutional process. That's the idea," he said. --Antara