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Govt to review overlapping regulations on firearms procurement
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Coordinating Political, Legal & Security Minister Wiranto (center), accompanied by Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu (right), Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (second left), the National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian (second right) and State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Gen. Budi Gunawan (left) speaks at a press conference about issues surrounding weapons procurement at the Ministry's office on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. (Antara/Aprilio Akbar)
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mid recent controversies surrounding the purchase of firearms, the government is set to review overlapping regulations regarding weapons procurement before issuing a single policy to regulate firearms, the country's chief security minister has said on Friday.
From 1948 up until now, many regulations have been issued relating to weapons procurement, from laws to Presidential Decrees and ministerial regulations, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto said.
The regulations have resulted in different perceptions among state security institutions who use firearms in their operations.
“We will immediately conduct an assessment and review the regulations regarding firearms and issue a single policy in order to stop confusion among institutions," Wiranto said after a coordination meeting at his office on Friday.
Controversies arose after circulating reports stating that 280 stand-alone grenade launchers (SAGL) and 6,000 rounds of ammunition belonging to the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) were held by Customs and Excise Authorities at Soekarno Hatta International Airport.
The National Police confirmed the order and argued that the shipment procedure was in line with regulations.
The weapons have yet to be retrieved, pending approval from the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS).
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who also attended the meeting, asserted that procurement of strategic weapons by state institutions should refer to the 2012 Defense Industry Law, which stipulates the purchase should proceed after permission from the defense minister.
The meeting was also attended by TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Budi Gunawan, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir, Customs and Excise Director-General Heru Pambudi, and state-owned weapons producer PT Pindad director Abraham Mose.
