Terror Targets Now Selective
The attack on Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto indicates that terrorist attacks are now targeting public officials. The protection of public officials needs urgent evaluation.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto (second left) get out of the car before being attacked by a man armed with a bladed weapon during his visit to Pandeglang, Banten, Thursday (10/10/2019).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The attack Thursday (10 October 2019) on Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto in Pandeglang regency, Banten, indicates that public officials now risk being targeted in terrorist attacks. The protection of public officials must be evaluated, particularly because in nine days on 20 Oct., the 2019-2024 President and Vice President of Indonesia are to be inaugurated.
The security evaluation is also necessary because indications of a possible attack targeting Wiranto had emerged in May. At the time, Wiranto as well as Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, State Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Budi Gunawan and former Antiterrorist Special Detachment 88 head Comr. Gen. Gregorius Mere were among those targeted for assassination in the 21-22 May Jakarta riots.