Complementing Terrorism Law, UI Intelligence Observer Pushes Formation Of Ideological Protection Law

Poso terrorism convict Muhammad Basri bin Barjo alias Bagong swears allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia at Nusakambangan Prison in October 2021. (Antara)

JAKARTA - Intelligence and security observer from the University of Indonesia (UI) Stanislaus Riyanta proposed the government to form a Law (UU) for the Protection of Ideology. The regulation can be a legal umbrella to complement the Terrorism Act.

"We have Law Number 5 of 2018, but this terror group does not use violence to mobilize the masses. This makes me propose the Ideology Protection Law in order to protect the public," said Stanislaus in a written statement, Tuesday, June 28.

In the promotion session for the doctorate in Administrative Sciences UI entitled "A Model of Collaborative Governance in Preventing Terrorism in Indonesia", Stanis said that Indonesia is not yet free from terror.

"During 2000-2021, there were 553 acts of terror in Indonesia," said Stanislaus.

Stanis is of the view that acts of terror tend to show a development trend. Moreover, groups that carry out terrorist practices always adapt to the existing conditions.

"Terror acts in Indonesia also continue to develop and adapt to suit the situation, even those acts of terror involve women and children," he said.

Therefore, he also encouraged the government to form an appropriate formula to prevent acts of terrorism in the country.

"Terrorism prevention is a very important thing for the government to do, considering the series of terrorist acts that occurred caused many casualties and other impacts," he said.

In addition, he also encouraged the government to actively cooperate with all existing stakeholders in efforts to prevent and combat terrorism.

According to Stanis, the same understanding and spirit in overcoming the problem of terrorism must really be carried out, so that in practice, the performance, narrative, and commonality of thought can be carried out properly because terrorism is a common enemy.

"The government and its partners must be sensitive in dealing with terrorism, the emergence of sectoral egos can hinder the prevention of terrorism," added Stanis.

He also views that the government and law enforcement officers currently have a good juridical weapon, namely the Terrorism Law. Unfortunately, the law has not been enough to help prevent the spread of radicalism and terrorism to the public.

"Because their behavior is no longer violent as before," said Stanis.

Therefore, Stanis encourages that there is a legal umbrella that can complement the existing Terrorism Law so that efforts to counter terrorism can be maximized, such as the establishment of the Ideology Protection Law.