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