26 May 2018 | 01:01 PM UTC
Indonesia: Government passes stricter anti-terrorism law
Parliament approves stricter anti-terrorism law on May 25 following recent attacks in Surabaya and Sidoarjo
Event
Indonesia’s parliament passed strict revisions to the country’s anti-terrorism laws on Friday, May 25. Under the new law, police are allowed to detain anyone suspected of planning an attack for up to 21 days, rather than for a week under the previous law. Individuals can be held for up to 200 days while a formal investigation is being conducted. Anyone who joins or recruits for a terrorist organization or takes part in military-style training at home or abroad is also subject to prosecution. The new law allows the military to conduct counterterrorism operations in the country, but only at the request of the police and with presidential approval.
Context
Rights groups have voiced concerns about the new powers granted by the law, saying that certain parts could be used to restrict civil liberties. Parliament has been debating whether to make changes to the 2003 anti-terrorism law since early 2016, after the Islamic State (IS) conducted an attack in Jakarta. Lawmakers pushed through the revisions following IS-claimed bombings in Surabaya and Sidoarjo on May 13 and May 14.
Indonesia has been on high alert for months due to the extant terrorist threat. IS-inspired groups and lone-wolf assailants have carried out a series of mostly low-level attacks over the past few years. There are fears that such entities could step up attacks following the return of hundreds of Indonesians who had gone to Syria to fight with IS, following the group's recent territorial losses in the region.
Advice
Individuals in Indonesia are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
According to various Western intelligence security assessments, the threat of terrorism poses a significant security risk to individuals in Indonesia. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out such attacks throughout the country. Past attacks have included suicide bombings and shootings targeting public and crowded places.
