United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker Arsul Sani said the TNI had requested that terrorism no longer be considered a crime, so that it could get involved in counterterrorism measures.

He said the request could not be fulfilled because the majority of political factions in the House’s special committee for the deliberation of the law revision wanted the TNI’s roles in counterterrorism operations only within a provision of assistance.

"We cannot grant the TNI’s request for full authority in counterterrorism. Its request for the House to define that terrorism is not a crime also can't be granted because what we are discussing now is a law revision, not a new bill," said Arsul, who is also a member of the committee.

Arsul said the House might grant the TNI the authority to get involved in the handling of terrorist attacks that could not be addressed by the National Police's Densus 88 counterterrorism unit alone, such as airplane or vessel hijacking by terrorists on Indonesian soil.

However, he said, the leading force of counterterrorism operations would remain in the hands of the National Police, as stipulated by prevailing laws.

Article 7 of the 2004 TNI Law states that the TNI can be involved into non-military operations, including antiterrorism operations based on a political decision from the President and the House’s approval. (ebf)

Popular

To rescue or abandon Java?

Govt imports over 1,500 dairy cows to boost milk production

Lessons from Aceh peace process may still be relevant in today’s conflicts