Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives' (DPR RI's) Commission I supported the proposed change in the nomenclature of the National Resilience Council (Wantannas) to the National Security Council (Wankamnas) to enhance the agency's roles, duties, and functions.

"DPR RI's Commission I supported the plan to change the nomenclature of the National Resilience Council to National Security Council to enhance the agency's roles, duties, and functions," the commission's Deputy Chair, Bambang Kristiono, stated during a hearing meeting, as observed from the parliamentary commission's YouTube channel here, Friday.

Responding to the endorsement, Wantannas Secretary General Vice Admiral Harjo Susmoro expressed his gratitude to the parliamentary commission.

"Representing the Wantannas, we express our utmost gratitude for your support, guidance, and the last one, endorsement, on the proposed name change from Wantannas to Wankamnas," Susmoro stated.

The secretary general said that the change would strategically benefit the agency if it comes to fruition.

In an official statement received here, Friday, the issue was raised during the meeting by Commission I legislator Nurul Arifin, who inquired the agency regarding information about the name change circulating on social media.

Susmoro informed the legislators that the history of the National Resilience Council could be traced back to 1946, and the agency has been established under various names.

National founder Soekarno first established the agency as State Defence Council in 1946. The name was later changed to National Security Council in 1954 then only to Security Council in 1961, and during Soeharto's presidency in 1970, to National Security and Defence Council, he said.

"Lastly, the name was changed to National Resilience Council in 1999. The name change reflected the dynamics of national security issues at that time," the secretary general expounded.

Moreover, he said, as the current dimension of threats is more complex, national defense no longer relates only to national sovereignty or public security.

"National security currently has more diverse dimensions, which includes security in the sovereignty, government, and public affairs, as well as security in the individual, ideological, political, economy, social and culture, energy, food, and other aspects," Susmoro remarked.

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Translator: Putu Indah S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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