'Terrorist suspects need protection'

JAKARTA: Religious leaders said here on Monday that the anti- terrorism bill currently being deliberated upon by the House of Representatives (DPR) did not provide adequate protection for suspected terrorists.

They said the bill gives society a measure of protection from possible terrorist attacks but provides insufficient protection for the suspects.

"The bill threatens human rights, so there must be some revisions," said Rev. Notoseputro of the Indonesian Bishops' Council (KWI) during a hearing with a House committee deliberating the government-sponsored bill.

The bill would allow investigators to freeze bank accounts of suspected terrorists.

"This will cause financial hardship for the terror suspect and his family," Notoseputro added.

Also present at the hearing were Chalid of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) and Nathan Setiabudi of the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI).

The committee also invited political analysts and intelligence officials to hear their input. -- JP