Markus Junianto Sihaloho, Jakarta – Tighter control should be exercised over the powers of Indonesia's various intelligence agencies, a researcher for non-governmental organization Imparsial said on Sunday.
"The intelligence agencies must be put under the supervision of the Coordinating Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs," said Bhatara Ibnu Reza, commenting on a new bill that would regulate the country's intelligence agencies.
Bhatara said reforms were needed to prevent intelligence agencies from being abused by the government to further its own political interests.
Intelligence units were widely used by former president Suharto to monitor civilian movements and watch political activities at the grassroots to ensure his continued hold on the presidency.
Several state and regional institutions now operate their own intelligence units, including the military, the police, the Attorney General's Office and various ministries and regional administrations.
Under the new bill, they would be managed by a single body, the State Intelligence Coordinating Institution (LKIN), that operates directly under the authority of the president. Last week, Ignatius Mulyono, head of the House Legislative Body, said the final draft of the bill had been completed and is ready to be passed.
"We hope to pass it in a House plenary session sometime in the middle of this month," he said, adding representatives from all nine parties in the House had approved the final draft.
However, Bhatara argued the bill should also guarantee sanctions for intelligence officers who violate human rights. Despite its much-touted respect for human rights, the bill does not provide any punishment for intelligence officials who violate those rights.
The bill specifies the leaking of both classified and operations information as punishable offenses. It also authorizes the LKIN to intercept communications and investigate money transfers linked to terrorist and separatist activities.
The House will also be granted the power to monitor and supervise the LKIN's policies, operations and budget spending.