Yusril and terrorism

Yusril and terrorism

From Forum Keadilan

The police have arrested 16 mosque activists allegedly involved in a terrorist network responsible for the fatal bomb blast at JW Marriott Hotel.

While receiving praise for their achievement, the police have also been criticized over the way these arrests have been made. Ironically, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra has questioned the legal process involved in these arrests.

Clearly, there are two major camps regarding the eradication of terrorism in Indonesia. A debate is now afoot on whether or not the national intelligence agency (BIN) should be allowed greater authority in dealing with terrorism. In this case, Minister Yusril has sided with those opposing further empowerment of BIN.

In this context, we must all set aside narrow-minded interests and prioritize the interests of the state and the nation. The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights must help empower BIN by agreeing to allow it greater authority to deal with terrorism.

We need a legal umbrella for our intelligence authorities to be able to deal properly with terrorism for the sake of the state and the nation. Otherwise, terrorists will enjoy great freedom to carry out acts of terrorism all over the country.

YUNITA K SEPTIANINGSIH, Jakarta