Shun the advice on terror from U.S.

Shun the advice on terror from U.S.

Following the bomb blasts in Bali on Oct. 12, there has now been a call for the establishment of an anti-terrorism law or for the president to issue a government decree in lieu of the law.

Is an emergency act really necessary? The Bali tragedy has harmed Indonesia more than any other country, such as the United States or Australia, which always say they are targeted by terrorists. Bali is a showcase and symbol for Indonesia in the international arena.

Therefore, the government must act in line with only our national interests and must not follow the advice given by big countries. In its fight against terrorism, Indonesia must never just follow every step proposed by the U.S.

Terrorists kill civilians and this is a criminal offense, for which we have our Criminal Code. We can deal with terrorists just using this Criminal Code.

If we study the anti-terrorism bill we will find that it resembles our Criminal Code. The only difference -- and many people fear this possibility -- is that the bill authorizes the president to set up an ad hoc court. This can be dangerous as the power holder can do away with civilian's freedom on the pretext of fighting terrorism. Examples abound in relation with the Patriot Act in the U.S. or the Internal Security Act in Malaysia and Singapore or even the anti-subversion law in Indonesia under Soeharto.

To prevent a terrorist act, Indonesia must improve its intelligence capability and work together with the International Criminal Court although the U.S. hates the latter.

-- Koran Tempo, Jakarta