New security council planned

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