Ulma Haryanto – The National Security bill does not automatically grant law enforcement authorities the right to arrest and wiretap those who pose a threat to national security, First Adm. Leonardi, secretary to the directorate general of defense, explained to reporters on Tuesday.

The secretary's explanation was in response to questions about the phrase "to wiretap, question, arrest and other acts of force," which falls under the "Monitoring" chapter of the bill.

"It doesn't mean that all security-related institutions may wiretap," Leonardi said, "but, rather, if there is a plan to wiretap, then we'd better have a monitoring law ready."

He also disagreed that the bill would prohibit freedom of the press as argued by the Press Council on Monday. "The bill said nothing about negating the Press Law, or the Public Information Law," he said.

Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Hartind Asrin told the Jakarta Globe that the House of Representatives has made the National Security bill a priority over the Intelligence bill, also currently discussed by the legislative body. He said the House has promised it will ratify the bill in July, while the Intelligence bill will be ratified next year.

"This is the umbrella for every defense and security regulations in the country," Hartind said. "We need it."