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DPKN Council for Maintaining Security and the Legal System

In November 1998 the Government formed a new Council for Maintaining Security and the Legal System [Dewan Pemantapan Ketahanan Nasional - Council for the Enforcement of Security and Law] headed by the President but run by the Armed Forces Commander. President Habibie formed the Council with the duties of guiding and coordinating efforts to overcome the crisis threatening national security and the maintenance of the law in an integrated manner. The Council was raised under presidential decree No 191/1998.

Members of the Council include:

In order to facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Council a Daily Executive is led by Minister for Defence/Commander Armed Forces, General Wiranto, assisted by the Minister for Justice, Muladi, 10 additional ministers [the Ministers for Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Communications, Industry and Trade/Head of National Logistics Agency, Information, Employment, Education and Culture, Religion, Social Affairs, and Youth and Sport ], the Attorney General, the Head of the Intelligence Coordinating Body, and the Secretary for the Management of Development Operations. The Executive will report its activities to the president. The Council would sit in session on an as required basis, as determined by the president.

Institution similar to this in the past, such as the Council of National Defense and Security (WANHANKAMNAS), Institute of National Resistance located beside the office of the coordinating ministry for politics and security as well as agencies set up to handle security matters such as KOPKAMTIB and BAKORSTMAS, have been dominated by the military. But the new council is led by President Habibie, and its membership comprises almost all cabinet ministers. Made up of members of the Cabinet, security and intelligence officials as well as the heads of five religious councils, its stated mission was to control and coordinate efforts to resolve crises threatening national stability. It is reported to be advisory in nature, rather than operational, and does not have "technical authority" as in the case of the former KOPKAMTIB which could arrest and detain people.

Sources and Resources


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Updated Monday, September 13, 1999 8:02:11 AM