National Police chief General Timur Pradopo said the handling of counterterrorism was the authority and duty of the police.

Although he did not firmly reject the idea of the Indonesian Military's (TNI) involvement in counterterrorism, Timur stipulated the role of the TNI in the fight against terror was limited to intelligence-related matters.

'Law enforcement will still be handled by the National Police,' said Timur after a handover ceremony of several police chiefs at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, as quoted by tempo.co.

He was responding to the topic of a possible greater role for the military in counterterrorism activities.

The National Police's capacity to handle security issues has been questioned following a string of attacks and shootings of police members in four locations. There are growing doubts about the police's capacity as they have yet to apprehend any perpetrators, despite having sketches and identities of the suspects.

Timur played down any thought of the National Police being incapable of solving the shootings.

'Just trust us. The National Police will be able to resolve these cases. Revealing terrorism cases can take months and even years,' he said.

Commenting on the role of the TNI in counterterrorism efforts, Timur said the police received support in the field of intelligence from various institutions, including from the National Intelligence Agency (BIN).

Moreover, he added, the police also receive support from Babinsa (non-commissioned military officers assigned in villages) in their efforts to uphold the security. (apt/ebf)

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