Terrorism bill 'needs revision'

JAKARTA: The bill on the prevention and eradication of terrorism needs to be reviewed because it contains blurred definitions, prioritizes the supremacy of power and encourages Machiavellian maneuverings, according to an official from the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

FPI chairman Al Habib Muhammad Rizieq Shihab said during a seminar that the bill defined terrorism as an act committed by an individual or a group that disregards the national apparatus or government. He said the bill should cover all types of terrorist acts.

The draft, he said, focused only on physical violence and did not include psychological and biological terrorism. According to him, the bill does not clearly differentiate between terrorism and violence caused by social protest and psychological unrest.

Rizieq said the bill also prioritized power, security and order instead of the supremacy of the law and human rights.

He said the draft would give judges, prosecutors and investigators unfair access to suspects' financial information.

Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Human Right Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the terrorism bill was not drafted because of pressure from any particular country, ideology or religion.

"The bill is aimed at preparing the country to face the era of globalization, which makes countries borderless and open to people from many countries." -- Antara