Anti-Terrorism Bill Focused on Prevention, Deradicalization: Lawmaker
Jakarta. The articles under discussion in a revision of the 2003 Anti-Terrorism Law are mainly focused on preventative measures and deradicalization, a lawmaker said.
Syarifudin Hasan, a member of the House of Representatives' special committee on the law revision, said the military would be among the parties authorized to implement measures aimed at preventing terrorism.
"We will still hear what the government says about the Anti-Terrorism Law revision. We have submitted the response of each faction to the government, as we will continue the discussion after the recess period," Syarifudin told Suara Pembaruan in Jakarta on Thursday (15/12).
The Democratic Party politician explained that no institution will be considered stronger in law enforcement efforts aimed at the eradication of terrorism in the future, but since such activities constitute criminal acts, it would remain under the jurisdiction of the National Police.
"We will hear from the government about law enforcement. We do not want any abuse of power in the enforcement of the law related to terrorism," he added.
In October, National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius said the revised Anti-Terrorism Law will allow the authorities to take preventive measures against terror groups, including prosecuting hate speech and banning international terror organizations.
Suhardi said the BNPT will implement "proactive law enforcement measures" to tackle terrorism, such as preventing radical groups from turning into full-blown terror groups.
The anti-terrorism bill will also allow the Indonesian Military (TNI) to assist the police in counterterrorism operations.
The government decided to revise the Anti-Terrorism Law in January, when Indonesia went on heightened alert following attacks by Islamic State sympathizers in downtown Jakarta, which resulted in the death of eight people.
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