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The Jakarta Post | Jakarta: Bowing to public pressure, the House of Representatives (DPR) announced on Thursday that it will return the controversial security bill to the Defense Ministry for revision.
“We have agreed to return the bill to the government for revision. We need to accommodate all stakeholders,” said Mahfudz Siddiq, chairman of House’s Commission I overseeing defense and security affairs.
Mahfudz said that the government should consider all input from all organizations, such as human rights groups. “The bill must not contravene existing laws,” he said, adding that law enforcers must not use it to justify violence against the people.
An article in the National Security bill stipulates that state security enforcers have the authority to take specific measures such as arresting, wiretapping and questioning. The authority is given to the National Police, the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) as well as security officers at regional levels.
The bill has triggered negative responses from the public, as some fear that it could threaten public freedom and bring back oppressive governance reminiscent of the New Order era.
Human Rights Working Group
The Indonesia's NGO Coalition for International Human Rights Advocacy.
Contact:
Jiwasraya Building Lobby Floor
Jl. R.P Soeroso No 41
Gondangdia, Menteng
Jakarta 10350
Indonesia
E-mail: hrwg@hrwg.org
Phone: +62-21-3143015, +62-21-70733505
Fax: +62-21-3143058
