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