Indonesia’s Complete Strategy to Combat Terrorism
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Indonesia, a nation grappling with the persistent threat of terrorism, has implemented a multifaceted approach to counter this challenge. The country’s efforts extend beyond reactive measures,encompassing proactive prevention,robust protection of critical infrastructure,and comprehensive deradicalization programs.This strategy is crucial not only for Indonesia’s national security but also has global implications, given the interconnected nature of terrorist networks.
A key element of Indonesia’s strategy is the National Action Plan for Combating Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism (RAN PE). This initiative, involving 48 ministries and institutions, along with local governments, employs a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.” The plan, encompassing 130 action plans implemented through 2024, demonstrates a commitment to a comprehensive and collaborative response.
Brigadier General Imam Margono, acting deputy for prevention, protection, and deradicalization at Indonesia’s National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT), highlighted the evolving tactics of terrorist groups. He noted,”To anticipate the trend of terrorist attacks at the global and regional levels,Law Number 5 of 2018 was stipulated.”
This law, amending previous legislation, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to adapting it’s legal framework to address the dynamic nature of terrorist threats. The focus has shifted towards protecting strategic vital objects and transportation systems, recognizing their significance in maintaining national stability and economic well-being. Margono emphasized that these targets represent broad impacts on “people’s lives, political stability, the economy, and national resilience.”
Further strengthening its counterterrorism efforts, the BNPT issued regulation Number 3 of 2020. This regulation provides guidelines for protecting strategic vital objects and transportation systems, empowering managers of these facilities to proactively implement security measures and conduct early detection of potential threats. As Margono explained, “This guideline explains necessary security processes in strategic vital objects and transportation systems to prevent terrorism,” enabling self-reliant action to prevent attacks.
The Indonesian government’s approach mirrors similar strategies employed in the United States, were collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies, along with community engagement, is crucial in counterterrorism efforts. The emphasis on proactive measures and community involvement underscores the understanding that combating terrorism requires a multi-layered and comprehensive strategy.
Indonesia’s experience offers valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges.The combination of legal reforms,collaborative action plans,and community engagement demonstrates a commitment to a long-term,sustainable approach to counterterrorism. The success of the RAN PE and the implementation of BNPT regulation Number 3 of 2020 will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this comprehensive strategy.
Indonesia’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Combating terrorism
Indonesia faces a continuing challenge from terrorism. The country has developed a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that focuses on prevention, protection of key infrastructure, and deradicalization programs. This interview with Dr. Lia Hasan,a leading expert on counterterrorism in Southeast Asia,explores the key elements of this approach.
The National Action Plan: A collaborative Effort
senior Editor: Dr. Hasan, Indonesia’s National Action Plan for Combating Violent Extremism leading to Terrorism (RAN PE) is a key element in its counterterrorism strategy. Can you tell us more about it?
Dr.Hasan: The RAN PE represents a notable shift towards a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. It involves 48 ministries and institutions, alongside local governments, working together to address the various aspects of violent extremism. This comprehensive approach is vital as terrorism is a complex issue that requires cooperation across different sectors.
Adapting to Evolving Threats
Senior Editor: How has Indonesia adapted its legal framework to address the changing nature of terrorist threats?
Dr. Hasan:
Law Number 5 of 2018, which amended previous legislation, demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to keeping pace with evolving tactics.
The focus has shifted from solely reacting to attacks to proactively protecting strategic vital objects and transportation systems.
These are not only critical for national security but also for economic stability and the well-being of the Indonesian people.
Brigadier General Imam Margono, highlighted the importance of these targets, stating they impact “people’s lives, political stability, the economy, and national resilience.”
Empowering Local Actors
Senior Editor: The BNPT regulation Number 3 of 2020 seems to place a strong emphasis on empowering those responsible for strategic vital objects and transportation systems. Can you explain its importance?
Dr.Hasan: Absolutely. This regulation provides clear guidelines for protecting these vital assets.
It empowers managers to implement proactive security measures and conduct early threat detection.
This shift towards self-reliance and proactive security is crucial for preventing attacks.
As Brigadier General Margono stated,
“this guideline explains necessary security processes in strategic vital objects and transportation systems to prevent terrorism,” giving these facilities the tools they need to take ownership of their security.
Lessons for the Global Community
Senior Editor: What lessons can other nations facing similar challenges learn from Indonesia’s approach?
Dr. Hasan:
Indonesia’s experience highlights the importance of a multi-layered and comprehensive strategy. Legal reforms, collaborative action plans, and community engagement are all essential parts of the equation.
The success of the RAN PE and the implementation of BNPT regulation Number 3 of 2020 will be critical indicators of the effectiveness of this approach.
It serves as a model for other countries grappling with the global threat of terrorism.
