Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the government would propose that additional funds for the Special Detachment (Densus) 88 counter-terrorism squad be included in the Amended State Budget (APBNP).

"The government has basically agreed, and it is just a matter of its allocation. Hopefully, we would be able to allocate it in the APBNP," he said here on Tuesday after meeting with Vice President M Jusuf Kalla to report about security issues.

He said he had earlier reported to the President and the Vice President about the need to improve the squads facilities, personnel and lodging.

"We will again look at their remuneration because many of them have to remain away from their families since they are assigned duties out of town for several months. I think they deserve to be treated better," the minister said.

Besides, special units of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) will also be strengthened to back up the Indonesian Police in case they have to deal with simultaneous threats.

Terror threats could happen any time. Therefore, the government must stay vigilant to meet any such eventuality in a swift manner and respond firmly, he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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