Wiranto: Too Many Regulations Cause Firearm Import Fiasco

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A meeting was held regarding the recent firearms import controversy at the Headquarter of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. Coordinating Minister Wiranto asserted that the firearms procurement issue can be solved.

Wiranto revealed that there has been a miscommunication between the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) regarding the issue which was mainly caused by the overwhelming amount of regulations that was used.

Read: Jokowi Mentions No Weapon Fiasco During TNI Anniversary

He noted that there are four Laws, one Government regulation in lieu of law, one President’s instruction, four Ministry regulation, and a decree regarding the use, procurement, and purchase of the firearms. “Since 1948 up to 2017 there are many regulations that control weapons procurement. This has caused a difference of opinions in numerous institutions that utilize the use of firearms,” said Wiranto today on Friday, October 6.

For several weeks, the firearms procurement of the Indonesian National Police has sparked controversy since it is widely considered that the process had not obtained the proper permits. Things became more complicated after TNI Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo publicly stated that there is an institution that imported illegal firearms.

Read: TNI Showcases Weapons Defense System During Its Anniversary

Police later confirmed that the firearms import has gone through the proper procedure, including a permit from the TNI Strategic Intelligence Agency (Bais) even though the firearms were held for some time at Soekarno-Hatta Airport customs and excise.

The Indonesian National Police imported several Stand-alone Grenade Launcher (SAGL) with a 40x46mm caliber, 40mm bullet ammunition, and more than five thousand 40 x 46 mm round RLV-HEFJ. Wiranto is set to issue a single policy on firearms usage to facilitate state institutions that utilize firearms. 

DIAS PRASONGKO