Civilians could have firearms, Bamsoet straightens the news

Last updated on May 18th, 2021 at 05:48 am

The People’s Consultative Assembly Chairman of the Republic of Indonesia Bambang ‘Bamsoet’ Soesatyo straightened the news circulating that said he proposed to the National Police Chief to allow civil society to have firearms.

“Please be aware! Don’t believe in the spinning of the news as if I proposed to the National Police Chief about the ownership of firearms for the citizens. It’s inconsequential, “Bamsoet stressed, Monday, August 3.

He explained the purpose of his statement is that the possession of firearms must refer to the National Police chief’s regulations, one of which has an official International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) certificate issued by The Great Management of Indonesian Shooting Unity (PB Perbakin) after following a series of tests.

Starting from psychology, knowledge about firearms, safety to reaction shooting skills by taking courses, and field skills.

Bamsoet stressed that possession of firearms must not be arbitrary. Because the owner is required to have an Indonesian IPSC certificate, which is issued by PB Perbakin to complete other existing ownership requirements as stipulated in the National Police Regulation.

In addition, people who are allowed to possess firearms must also fulfill certain occupational status qualifications with a certain level of threat, such as having to hold positions as President Commissioner, President Director, Finance Director, People’s Representative Council Member, People’s Consultative Assembly member, and lawyer, in accordance with applicable regulations.

According to Bamsoet, possession of firearms for civilians must still refer to the National Police Chief Regulation (Perkap) No. 18 of 2015, the contents of possession of firearms with the aim of self-defense.

In addition, the permit for firearms ownership is only valid for 5 years, and the permit for use is valid for 1 year.

Previously, a number of news mentioned the Chairman of the Indonesian MPR Bambang Soesatyo said that the National Police Chief General Idham Aziz revised the National Police Regulation No. 18 of 2015 concerning Licensing, Supervision, and Control Nonorganic Firearms of National Police/Indonesian National Armed Forces for Self-Defense Purposes. According to him, a number of countries have allowed civilians to use 9 mm caliber weapons.

“Actually, in many countries, it has been permitted to use a 9 mm caliber pistol. Maybe the National Police Chief might consider revising the National Police Chief Regulation,” Bamsoet said.