The State Intelligence Agency's Silent Work During A Pandemic: Activate And Strengthen Medical Intelligent Units

Head of BIN General Police (Ret.) Budi Gunawan (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Lukas)

JAKARTA - The State Intelligence Agency (BIN) considers that Indonesia must immediately have reliable medical intelligence to deal with future threats.

"Along with the current pandemic handling activities, BIN continues to develop the capacity and capability of medical intelligence," said BIN Head General Police (Ret.) Budi Gunawan in a written statement received in Jakarta, Monday, March 14, quoted from Antara.

This encouragement, he conveyed, considering that the reduction of social restrictions does not mean that the pandemic will end soon. Because there will always be the possibility of COVID-19 or its derivative variants re-emerging.

"Therefore, it is time for Indonesia to have a strong medical intelligence," said Budi Gunawan.

He explained that the surveillance object is not only viruses, but includes many elements of nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.

According to Law Number 17 of 2011 concerning State Intelligence, BIN must be at the forefront of maintaining national security.

"Based on the latest data and facts, as well as medical intelligence foresight in the next years or decades, we know that emerging viruses will continue to emerge," he said.

In addition to being ready and alert, Indonesia is required to have an adequate level of independence in order to be able to cope with various biological and chemical threats, he said.

Since COVID-19 began to spread, until now BIN has activated its medical intelligent unit with various detection, identification, assessment, response, and handling activities. This includes collaborating with other institutions.

"BIN is also involved in research and production of national vaccines, medical devices, and medicines," he said.

Nevertheless, Budi Gunawan assessed that it was time for Indonesia to have medical intelligence that was truly capable of facing the next various threats.

He said the types of threats to the country's security and safety are growing. The virus that appears is only part of the medical intelligence object. Many other threats are either man-made due to world tensions or geopolitical changes.

Not only that, but also natural products due to climate change that encourage the emergence or mutation of viruses and germs. Various studies show that climate change will bring consequences for very serious health threats now and in the future, said Budi Gunawan.