Bela Negara: thinly veiled militarisation of the civilian population
Analysis, SecurityDefence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has been out talking up his ministry's Bela Negara program, which apparently aims to inspire a love for the homeland and protect it from "extreme ideologies". But is Bela Negara really about strengthening nationalism, or is it just another attempt to introduce compulsory military service? Bhatara Ibnu Reza takes a look at the program.
Why strengthening anti-terror laws is not the answer
Analysis, SecurityAfter the deadly terrorist attack in Jakarta on 14 January, a range of senior officials have agreed on the need to strengthen Indonesia's counter-terrorism laws. But as Bhatara Ibnu Reza writes, the history of security sector reform in the country shows that reform should be approached with extreme caution.