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To protect us from terrorism, pass the bill
The Terrorism Law should also stipulate for better rights for victims of terrorism to ensure they receive comprehensive medical assistance, including rehabilitation and trauma counseling.
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Members of the National Police's Densus 88 counterterrorism squad pose for a photo after ending an almost 30-hour riot and standoff at the Mobile Brigade's detention center in Depok, West Java, on May 10. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
F
or more than a week, Indonesia has suffered from terrorist attacks in various places. From riots at the Mobile Brigade headquarters (Mako Brimob) in Depok involving terror detainees, the bombing of three churches in Surabaya, to the attack at the Surabaya Police headquarters and the latest attack at the Riau Police headquarters.
Methods in terror attacks have changed, demonstrated by the attacks that involved families with small children. Just the same, victims who died or sustained deep trauma were innocent people who wanted to fulfill their duty to pray and worship God on Sunday, and the police who were working to protect them.
Though Indonesia is in a state of peace, the attackers apparently considered churchgoers and the police as enemies in war.
Terrorist attacks using sharp weapons or suicide bombing can surely be prevented, but the terrorism bill expected to replace the existing law has been deliberated in the House of Representatives since the last attacks near Sarinah department store in Jakarta in 2016.
It will not be long until the terrorists hit again. As the law aims at protecting us from terrorism there should be no excuse for the government and the House to delay the revision to the Terrorism Law.
Read also: How new antiterrorism law will change Indonesia's war on terror
One sticking point is reportedly the definition of terrorism.
