Information bill 'should regulate intelligence'

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 09/28/2007 3:32 PM

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Legal and political experts cautioned Thursday intelligence should not be included in state secrets clauses in the Public Information Bill.

Former legislator Paulus Widiyanto and University of Indonesia political expert Makmur Keliat said intelligence should not be hidden from the people for indefinite periods of time.

They both urged lawmakers to pay special attention to the section of the bill stipulating time frames for the release of sensitive information.

The House of Representatives has been discussing the bill for nearly six years.

The bill aims to disclose government-related information to the public.

House members are currently discussing exceptions clauses with the government.

Materials on defense, intelligence and the private sector have become hot topics, with the government trying to include them into the exception clauses where public disclosures are strictly prohibited.

""We cannot limit the revelation of information based on content alone, because today we can get information from many sources,"" former chairman of the committee deliberating the Public Information bill at the House, Paulus Widiyanto, said Thursday.

""So time-based revelations might be the most proper way to fulfill the public's need for information.""

He said the provision of information to the public in a timely manner would see government actions around public matters monitored properly.

Paulus said intelligence information should be revealed to the public in order to ensure state accountability -- but he said limitations should apply.

""Information about the name of the intelligence officer and the methods for getting the information are among those things that should remain confidential,"" he said.

""But the intelligence itself must be revealed to the public.""

Paulus said the House must establish a commission on information in order to define the lifespan of confidential information and to monitor its usage.

Under the Public Information draft law, the commission would also be tasked to settle disputes that might occur in relation to the use of information.

Makmur Keliat said House members should pay attention to the types of intelligence revealed as well as how soon it should be revealed.

He said some confidential state intelligence given directly to the president must remain in limited circles, including selected house members and ministers.

""Information on how to compete with other countries in trade and counter-intelligence strategies should stay with the president and should not be disclosed publicly,"" Makmur said.

He urged House members to also establish a commission on intelligence in order to supervise operations.

He said the intelligence commission would be tasked with receiving annual reports from current intelligence institutions in order to avoid operational abuses. (10)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.