VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

A series of recent terrorist attacks in several cities in Indonesia highlight the discourse of reviving the Joint Special Operations Command of Indonesian Armed Forces –TNI (Koopssusgab). The goal is to help police counter terrorist attacks.

Koopssusgab was actually inaugurated on June 9, 2015, when the Chief of Staff Office of the President, Moeldoko was the then Commander of the TNI. The command comprises of a special force of troops consisting of three TNI dimensions, namely the Sat-81 Gultor Army Special Forces Command, the Naval Detachment of the Navy, and the Satbravo 90 Air Forces Typical Forces Corps. The main concept is to form troops that can be deployed immediately when there is a hazardous situation concerning terrorism. The tasks of the Koopssusgab handled at that time were limited to extraordinary operations. However, some time later, the Operation Command was frozen.

This year, terrorists launch their acts and kill many lives, including police personnel. Various parties have started proposing re-involvement of Koopssusgab fight against terrorism across Indonesia. However, this discourse raises controversy. On one hand, there are those who support the plan as long as the rules are strict, On the other hand, some do not agree and ask the government to complete the first process of revision of the law against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Office of President, Moeldoko told reporters on Wednesday (16/5) that President Joko Widodo has approved the reactivation of Koopsusgab belonging to the TNI. The revision of Law No. 15/2003 on Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism has not been legalized by Parliament today. In fact, law enforcers need a certain legal umbrella to take preventive action.

Whatever the decision will be, the involvement of all security forces to fight against terrorism must have a strong legal basis and respect for human rights. Military assistance is required only if the situation is not able to be addressed by the police. In addition, it should be clearly determined when the Joint Special Operations Command –Koopssusgab starts and ends. The Indonesian experience shows that prolonged repressive measures are ineffective, and may pose new problems later on. The government should also be able to convince the general public that the Joint Special Operations Command -Koopssusgab of the TNI along with the police will ensure the security of the citizens, lest the people even feel that there is a new terror.