Durian. Indonesian Military (TNI) has conducted counter terrorism exercises particularly on handling biological weapon terror attack such as covid-19 virus, from Aug.5-6 and 10-11.
The host of the exercise was its Special Operation Command (Koopssus) at TNI headquarters and for strategic exercises on Aug.5-6 and at Indah Kiat Port in Cilegon, Banten for field exercises.
TNI’s anti-terror unit Gultor which comprises of Unit 81 of the Army Special Force (Kopassus), Navy Special Force (Denjaka), and Air Force’s Special Force (Bravo-90 Paskhas).
The plot of the exercise was terrorists attack by using biological weapon and using the existing of covid-19 virus to launch their attack during pandemic.
The exercise was led by Maj. Gen. Richard Tampubolon, the commander of Koopssus, TNI said in a statement on Aug.11.
It’s aimed to improve prevention and speed of action of TNI personnel in handling terror acts, Tampubolon said.
Rejection
TNI’s anti-terror exercise was conducted in the midst of public concern on the idea to impose a presidential regulation that will allow the military to involve in combating terrorism measures.
The idea for the regulation has been rejected by Indonesian human rights defenders.
“Presidential regulation draft on TNI duty in handling terrorism is a setback of reform in security sector, the door to military supremacy is reopened,” said Hendardi, chairperson of Setara Institute, an Indonesia’s research and advocacy institute work on democracy, political freedom and human rights, on Aug.11.
Similar tone was expressed by Rafendi Djamin, Indonesian representative to Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) period 2009-15.
He said on Aug. 11 that terrorism as a criminal act though it is part of international network, should be under criminal justice system or law enforcement rules in non-war circumstances. TNI only can engage in handling terrorism under criminal justice system when there is an imminent threat that cannot be handled by usual law enforcement system.
