Legislators approve intelligence wiretapping without court permission

A legislator from the House of Representatives’ Commission I on foreign affairs, defense and information said that the commission approved a proposal for intelligence officers to be given the authority to plant wiretaps without court permission.

“This authority was previously allowed given the court’s permission,” Muhammad Najib said Friday during a discussion in the House, as quoted by Tempointeraktif.com.

Legislators present from the commission said that the bill for state intelligence was currently being discussed by the commission. The government had earlier given input on the bill, including on the authority of intelligence officers.

Legislator Ramadhan Pohan said that the implementation of the bill required prudence to avoid abuse, “There are still many things to elaborate,” he said.

The government suggested that the intelligence body be given authority to conduct prevention and intensive inspection. The suggestions, however, were yet to be approved by the commission.

“I am worried that the authority would be prone to abuse, especially concerning the political interests of the rulers,” Najib said.

He added that the deliberation of the bill would be completed within two periods of House sessions.