Jakarta – The Indonesian Military (TNI) anti-terror desk which was established in each military regional command and the units below this command have begun to work, including the village military representatives whose duty it is to monitor terrorist activities.

According to Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, the anti-terror desk will operate according to the new assignment of the Indonesian Military (TNI). "This assignment includes the monitoring of terrorism activities to support the police," stated Sutarto after a limited cabinet meeting on politics and security at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on Monday (07/11). The involvement of the TNI, Sutarto said, was because terrorism has been named as a danger that must be fought by all elements within the nation.

The TNI intelligence will analyze the information on terrorism activities reported by TNI units. According to Sutarto, the involvement of the TNI will help the police to gather information on terrorism, rather than forming special squads.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) Army has confirmed that the anti-terror desks at the level of the Indonesian Military (TNI) Army Headquarters and Military Command have been established. "The anti-terror desks at the level of military unit command and military district command shall be created," said Indonesian Military (TNI) Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Hotma Ngaraja Panjaitan to TEMPO on Monday (07/11).

The anti-terror desk at the TNI Army headquarters is headed by the staff of TNI Army Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, the military chief heads the anti-terror desk at the level of military district command. Panjaitan said that the authority of the TNI anti-terror desk authority was only limited to deterrence and preventative measures. "The arrest and questioning shall be in the hands of the police," stated Panjaitan.

From Central Java, Diponegoro VII Military District Command was reportedly waiting for the technical guide on the anti-terror desk establishment. So far, Diponegoro VII Military District Command has prepared one platoon of strike force in 36 military district commands in Central Java. "Meanwhile, one company of troops is prepared at the level of military unit command," said Lt. Col. CAJ Agus Subroto, the head of Diponegoro Military Command to TEMPO.

According to Subroto, the combat troops have been prepared not only for terrorism handling but also for police backup for other security purposes. (Dimas Adityo/Fanny Febiana/Imron Rosyid-Tempo News Room)