Alert status too broad: Lawmaker

The deputy chairman of the House defense commission, TB Hasannudin, said the government's decision to issue a top alert across the country during Easter was too broad, since the bomb plot only affected Jakarta.

Hasannudin told reporters on Sunday that the situation outside the capital was safe.

“I agree with the top alert status in the capital, but it did not have to be implemented in other regions. In Halmahera, the situation was clear and safe,” he said as reported by kompas.com.

He said a top alert required the highest level of security. The status can be implemented when the country is threatened by a coup, a foreign threat, a natural disaster or national chaos.

“During a top alert, the Army must ensure that all weapons, logistical needs and military vehicles are at the ready for seven days,” he said.

A top alert instruction by the President results in a drain on the defense budget and can influence investment prospects in Indonesia. “Investors may think that Indonesia is unsafe,” he said.

The President should give a public explanation of the status, the lawmaker said. “When the President issued the status, what was his consideration? He has to tell the public about the real situation,” he said.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto issued a top alert on Thursday following the finding of bombs in Serpong, Banten, ahead of Good Friday celebrations.