The Indonesian Parliament unanimously approved a new anti-terrorism law on May 25 that will allow the military to directly participate in operations against militant groups. The legislation comes following a slew of suicide bombings in Surabaya by individuals supposedly tied to the Islamic State. President Joko Widodo stated that involvement of the Indonesian National Army in counter-terrorism is necessary in addressing the crisis faced by the nation. A related measure also gives police the power to detain suspects for 21 days without charge. The bills now go to the president for final approval.
Indonesia's Islamic State affiliate, Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), has been blamed for the Surabaya attacks, but the group's alleged leader has now condemned them. Aman Abdurrahman is facing trial over the 2016 Jakarta bombings, in which eight people lost their lives. (Jurist, Radio Australia, Channel NewsAsia)
Photo: Indonesian Navy Special Forces Kopaska
