House Passes New Law that Restricts Funding of Radical Movements
Today, Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) passed a new law that restricts financial transactions that are meant for the funding of terrorist or radical organizations. People or institutions engaged in such transactions will face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to US $10.5 million. Previously, Indonesia did not have a law that prevented such transactions. This new law is regarded as a good step for the battle against terrorism.
Throughout history, radical Islamic movements have always been present in Indonesia and form a big threat to the country. On various occasions, terrorist attacks in Indonesia made headlines around the globe, in particular when the lives of foreigners were lost. However, in recent years, terrorist attacks seem to be more directed towards symbols of the Indonesian state (such as police officers, police stations and politicians).
The new law aims at freezing bank assets of people that are suspected of funding terrorist organizations. It requires good cooperation with the country's financial institutions. Also, foreign governments can request the freezing of assets of foreigners that have bank accounts in Indonesia.