Existing law is ‘too lenient’: Antiterror boss

The National Antiterror Agency (BNPT) says existing Indonesian law is not enough to help authorities prevent terrorist attacks.

BNPT head Insp. Gen (ret) Ansyaad Mbai said that Indonesia’s antiterrorism laws were “too lenient.”

“It’s probably the most lenient law in the world,” Ansyaad said as reported by tempointeraktif.com newsportal.

Indonesia’s antiterrorism laws and Criminal Code Procedures (KUHAP) lacked an integrated approach, Ansyaad said.

Existing antiterrorism laws have no provisions for training camps that have been used by extremist group to prepare terror attacks, Ansyaad said, adding that military-style training was not considered terrorism
by the KUHAP.

“We need to synchronize the system,” Ansyaad said.

Ansyaad said the antiterror law might be amended to address the situation in the field.

“Preventative measures are also crucial in countering any terrorist acts,” Ansyaad said.  (afl)