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ndonesia's counterterrorism squad (Densus 88) provides security for all Indonesians as it tries to root out terrorists. It has been able to help Indonesia become an antiterrorist country.

However, some institutions like Pacific Scoop and the Council Foreign Relations have considered that Densus 88 uses inhumane tactics in carrying out its work.

Although some people criticize Densus 88's tactics, it is undeniable that Indonesia needs it to stop terrorists and prevent terror attacks.

Densus 88 has captured many terrorists to protect Indonesians and foreigners living in this country.

The squad's main objective is to capture dangerous terrorists to prevent terrorist attacks on innocent people.

The killings of the two terrorist leaders Azhari Husin in Batu, Malang in East Java and Noordin M. Top in Tangerang, Banten, both of whom were Malaysian nationals, were the most successful stories of the squad.

Azhari was believed to be the technical mastermind behind the 2002 Bali Bombing.

On Nov 2005, Densus 88 conducted a raid on one of Azahari's hideouts in Batu. Azahari's death was said to have been a major setback for Jemaah Islamiah, a terrorists group. Noordin Top was believed to have masterminded the 2003 JW Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta, the 2005 Bali Bombing, 2004 Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta and the 2009 JW Marriott Ritz Carlton bombing.

With the above achievements, Indonesia is considered one of the most-determined countries in fighting terrorism, much to the credit of Densus 88.

Matthew Daley one of the former trainers of the Indonesian counterterrorism squad said: 'I've trained guys all over the word, and this unit is one of the best I've ever seen.'

Densus 88 does a good job in helping Indonesia become a terrorist-free country. They have captured many dangerous terrorists. It is evident that Indonesia needs a special force, like the squad to eradicate terrorism to make Indonesia a country safe to live in.

I suggest that Densus 88 should be trained more and improve it tactics so that it is not accused of violating human rights principles. The squad also needs to receive criticism from the public by opening a 'complaint center' for the public.

Since the formation of the Densus 88, it has been successful in dealing with terrorism.

The Indonesian government should continue to keep Densus 88, it keeps Indonesia safer by arresting more dangerous terrorists, but the squad should be more careful in carrying out its jobs. Don't kill innocent people.

Nicholas Widjaja
Jakarta