The anti-terrorism bill
The anti-terrorism bill
From Gamma
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights has held a day-long seminar on the eradication of terrorism to obtain input in connection with the formulation of an anti-terrorism bill, before being submitted to the House of Representatives in 2002.
The seminar was organized in cooperation with the Economic Law, Institutional and Professional Strengthening Project (ELIPS II) funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
This bill contains, among other things, a definition of terrorism, criminal acts of terrorism and other crimes related to these acts, as well as prescribing the establishment of an anti- terrorism task force. In my view, acts of terrorism produce global reactions, so the government should actively support the elimination of terrorism.
Prof.Dr. Romli Atmasasmita, Director General of Legal Administration, Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, told the seminar that terrorist acts clearly transgressed the fundamental right of all citizens to enjoy public security and order, but said the existing criminal law did not provide an adequate legal basis for protecting society against terrorism.
According to the Minister of Justice, large-scale or politically motivated terrorism is often directed against another, larger societal group, even though that group is not in fact opposed to the party responsible for the terrorist acts, so that such acts end up harming innocent people.
The bill defines terrorist acts as activities that endanger or threaten the lives of other people, destroy property, deny personal freedom and create public fear. Anybody committing terrorist acts is liable to a minimum of four years in jail and a maximum punishment of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Prof. Dr. Sahetapy, another speaker, said terrorist acts were no longer merely ordinary crimes but rather were crimes against humanity. Perpetrators of terrorism could be tried in the country where they commited their actions regardless of citizenship.
In order to eradicate such acts the government recommended the establishment of an anti-terrorism task force operating under and responsible to the national police chief, with its membership comprising police, military, prosecution and intelligence personnel.
James Age of ELIPS II said he welcomed the formulation of this bill as Indonesia's response to the appeal to all nations for concerted action against terrorism in their respective territories.
PROF. DR. ABDUL GANI ABDULLAH
Director General of Legislation
Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
Jakarta