Posted in: Security

Bela Negara: thinly veiled militarisation of the civilian population

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Defence 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.

Talking Indonesia: the South China Sea

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The past month has seen rising tensions in the South China Sea. What are the implications of recent developments for Indonesia, and how can it best respond? Will Indonesia's relations with China be affected? Dr Dave McRae speaks to Dr Makmur Keliat, from the University of Indonesia, about these issues and more in the latest Talking Indonesia podcast.

The long road to peace in Poso

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This year has seen an escalation of tensions in Poso, Central Sulawesi, and the government has vowed to continue its security operation in the region until it captures the country's most-wanted terrorist, Santoso. Adriany Badrah, director of the Celebes Institute, examines the impacts of these prolonged security operations in Poso and the poor decisions that have allowed violence to continue.

Revoking citizenship to fight terrorism is misguided and reckless

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On Indonesia at Melbourne last week, Bhatara Ibnu Reza warned against revising anti-terror legislation to provide police or intelligence officials with greater powers. Christian Donny Putranto writes that the proposal to strip the citizenship of individuals suspected of fighting with terrorist groups is just as dangerous.

Why strengthening anti-terror laws is not the answer

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After 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.

Talking Indonesia: the 2016 Jakarta terror attacks

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Police have named Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian affiliated with ISIS, as the suspected mastermind of the Jakarta attacks. Who is he, and does this mean Indonesia should expect further attacks from ISIS-affiliated in groups in the country? In this special edition of Talking Indonesia, Dr Dave McRae explores these issues with Solahudin, a leading expert on jihadism in Indonesia.

Talking Indonesia: Indonesia's foreign fighters

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Several hundred Indonesian Muslims have left the country to fight in Syria and Iraq. In this week's Talking Indonesia podcast, Dr Dave McRae speaks to Dr Muhamad Najib Azca, from Gadjah Mada University, about the issue, and what the government can do to manage the risks posed by their return.

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