President Jokowi Calls for Greater Role of TNI in Counterterrorism

Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (29/5) afternoon. (Photo: PR/Rahmat)

When leading a Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Bogor, West Java, on Monday (29/5) afternoon, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo reminded related ministers that people must feel secure when they celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr. Therefore, the President asked to be cautious to all security issues, in particular terrorism.

In regards to these issues, the President ordered to intensify lobbying efforts in order to convince the House of Representatives to finish the Anti Terrorism Bill. “Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs must work hard to make sure that this Bill shall immediately be finished. It is urgently needed to ensure that our legal enforcers have legal umbrella to carry out their jobs in the field,” the President firmly said.

On that occasion, the President also emphasized the importance of giving a greater role to TNI in the Bill. He believed that the Minister has prepared the arguments about this matter.

President Jokowi also asked National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) to continue to carry out its programs to prevent the spread of terrorism at schools, places of worship, correctional facilities, and also social media. This act of prevention will reduce terrorism acts that happen in almost all countries,” the President further said.

The Plenary Cabinet Meeting was attended by, among others, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of National Development Planning Agency Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, etc. (DND/RMI/SM/UN/RAH/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)