"The important thing in combating terrorism is the involvement of all national elements including TNI. Thus if there is anyone who says that the TNI involvement is a decline of democracy, that person really does not understand the law," the TNI chief said here on Friday.
Speaking at the conclusion of a joint TNI-Polri anti terror exercise, Agus asserted that the role of TNI in combating terrorism was confirmed in Law No.34/2004.
He explained that TNI`s primary task in principle was related to three main basic factors namely to maintain the state sovereignty, to protect the unitary state of Indonesian republic (NKRI), and to ensure the safety of the nation.
"Thus for the TNI, combating terrorism is an obligation as mandated in the Law on TNI in the non-war military operation," Agus said.
He added that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has given a legal power to the TNI for its involvement in the eradication of terrorism in the country.
"The president has instructed the TNI to step up coordination and synergism with the National Police and intelligent in the response to terrorist acts," said the TNI chief.
He said the TNI could step up the coordination and synergism by reactivating territorial command in protecting security in the regions.
(Uu.O001/H-NG/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
