Volume
3, No. 4 April 2024 (0000-0000)
p-ISSN 2980-4868 | e-ISSN 2980-4841
https://ajesh.ph/index.php/gp
Evaluate
The Role of The Community in Intelligence Gathering on Local Terrorism
Activities
Genta Pratama Syukur1, Josias
Simon Runturambi2
1,2Universitas
Indonesia, Depok, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
Email:
gentasyukur@gmail.com1, a.josias@ui.ac.id2
ABSTRACT
Terrorism poses a significant national security threat in Indonesia,
exacerbated by the clandestine nature of terrorist networks within society.
Harnessing community involvement is pivotal in combating terrorism effectively.
This study evaluates the community's role in intelligence gathering pertaining
to local terrorist activities. Utilizing qualitative research methods,
particularly literature review, the study analyzes
data through three key stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusion
drawing. Findings underscore the indispensable contribution of communities in
gathering local terrorism intelligence. Unlike conventional channels,
communities offer unique insights into terrorist activities inaccessible to law
enforcement agencies. However, leveraging community involvement faces
challenges and limitations. These include the need for heightened education and
training initiatives to enhance community awareness about terrorism.
Additionally, fostering trust between communities and law enforcement entities
emerges as a critical endeavor. Furthermore, ensuring
the safety and protection of individuals reporting terrorism-related
information remains imperative for sustained community participation in
intelligence-gathering efforts.
Keywords: Intelligence, Terrorism,
Raising.
INTRODUCTION
Terrorism
poses a serious threat to a country's sovereignty because it threatens
security, world peace and social welfare. The crime of terrorism has unique
characteristics because the motives and causes are different from other
criminal acts. Acts of terrorism can be triggered by various motives, such as
holy war, economics, revenge, and based on certain beliefs. As an extraordinary
crime, handling terrorism requires an extraordinary approach (Windiani, 2017). The impact of terrorism is increasing along with advances
in information and communication technology, which perpetrators utilize to
spread ideology quickly and easily throughout the world. This situation makes
terrorism easier and allows it to occur in various places throughout the world.
Even countries that have sophisticated security systems cannot guarantee their
security from terrorism (Putri, 2018).
Indiscriminate
acts of terrorism often target civilians, causing enormous damage to various
aspects of human life. In this context, efforts to prevent and eradicate
terrorism are no longer the exclusive responsibility of the state alone but
have become the shared responsibility of all members of society, both on a
national and international scale. One of the main obstacles in overcoming
terrorism is the existence of terrorist networks, which are often hidden amidst
society. Therefore, the community has an important role in assisting law
enforcement officials in efforts to prevent and overcome terrorism. A community
is a social entity consisting of individuals who belong to each other, are
bound to each other, and believe that the members' needs will be met as long as
they are committed to staying together (Heraldy, 2022).
Previous
research (Zulfikar & Aminah, 2020) shows that the role of the media in eradicating terrorism
is not effective enough to balance and purify the mass media from radicalism;
synergistic roles with various parties are also very necessary. Therefore, the
role of the community, community organizations, especially regional heads,
political figures, and ulama in each region, is needed to participate actively
in activities to eradicate terrorism in Indonesia. Another research study (Yudhanto & Legowo, 2024) found that the potential threat of maritime terrorism in
the Malacca Strait was caused by several factors, such as economics, politics,
and geographical location. The role of intelligence includes collecting
accurate and reliable information, carrying out appropriate intelligence
analysis, and providing early warning of emerging threats. Apart from that,
intelligence also needs to strengthen cooperation with national and
international intelligence partners to increase intelligence capabilities in
dealing with potential maritime terrorism threats in the Malacca Strait.
Previous
research conducted by (Malahayati, Djati, & Widodo, 2021) concluded that 1) The implementation of the DKI Jakarta
Regional Intelligence Committee (Kominda) did not
experience significant obstacles because, in the context of the DKI Jakarta Kominda, obstacles are considered challenges that need to
be faced. 2) Cooperation between Kominda DKI Jakarta
and other intelligence agencies takes place in harmony, with regular exchange
of information and no overlap. 3) Supervising the role of Kominda
DKI Jakarta intelligence as one of the institutions responsible for preventing
and handling conflict in the DKI Jakarta area has been carried out in
accordance with applicable procedures, even though there are ego sectoral
aspects of each intelligence agency.
The
novelty of this research comes from the research object, namely evaluating the
role of communities in gathering intelligence on local terrorist activities,
which has never been studied before. The theoretical implication of this
research is that understanding the dynamics of interactions between communities
and law enforcement officers in intelligence gathering can help develop more
mature theories and conceptual frameworks in the field of terrorism and
security studies. This research aims to evaluate the role of communities in
gathering intelligence on local terrorist activities.
RESEARCH METHODS
This
study used qualitative research methods. The qualitative research method is a
method or method of research that emphasizes analysis or descriptiveness. In a
qualitative research process, things from the subject's perspective are
emphasized more and the basis of theory is so that the research process is in
accordance with the facts found in the field. Qualitative methods prioritize
observing phenomena and researching more into the substance of the meaning of
these phenomena (Fadli, 2021). The data collection technique in this research is a literature
study. Researchers utilize existing sources of information, such as books,
scientific journals, articles and related documents. Researchers
collect relevant data to support analysis of the role of communities in
gathering local terrorism intelligence. The data that has been collected is
then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and
drawing conclusions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Terrorism
has become an enemy of the world that knows no territorial or state boundaries.
The term terrorism itself implies an act of war (Huda, Runturambi, & Syauqillah, 2021). Terrorism poses a significant challenge to modern society
as radicalized groups continue to proliferate and evolve. These groups often
resort to violence, intimidation, and coercion to advance their political,
ideological, or religious agendas. One of the most alarming aspects of
terrorism is its indiscriminate nature, where targets often include civilians,
infrastructure, and public facilities that may have no direct involvement in
the underlying conflicts. This indiscriminate targeting not only inflicts harm
and instills fear in innocent populations but also disrupts the fabric of
societies, undermining trust and stability.
Terrorism
as part of Transnational Crimes has become a concern for developed and
developing countries because terror attacks evolve using weapons of mass
destruction in the form of chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear
weapons (Runturambi & Mukhtar, 2020). As terrorism continues to morph and adapt to changing
geopolitical landscapes and technological advancements, combating it requires a
multifaceted approach that addresses root causes, strengthens security
measures, and fosters international cooperation. Efforts to counter terrorism
must prioritize addressing grievances that fuel radicalization, enhancing
intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and bolstering law enforcement capabilities to
prevent and respond to attacks. Additionally, promoting tolerance, inclusivity,
and dialogue can help undermine the appeal of extremist ideologies and
cultivate resilient communities capable of resisting the lure of violence. Only
through concerted and coordinated efforts can societies hope to effectively
mitigate the threat posed by terrorism and safeguard the foundations of modern
civilization (Ieorocha, Widodo, Sukendro, Saragih, & Suwarno,
2023).
Acts
of terrorism in Indonesia, in accordance with Law No. 15/2003 on the
Eradication of the Criminal Acts of Terrorism, are defined as transnational
crimes that are organized and have extensive networks that can threaten
security, both at the national and international levels. This act has the
potential to harm the state because it can disrupt security and peace, as well
as cause great losses in terms of casualties. Terrorism can occur anywhere,
anytime, and anyone can become a victim (Koto, Lubis, & Sakinah, 2022).
Terrorism
is one type of crime that has become a global concern and is often categorized
as a "Crime Against Humanity." This threat is a serious problem for
the security of all countries because terrorism has become a global phenomenon
that can disrupt international peace and security and potentially harm the
welfare of people around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to make planned
efforts to eradicate it so that human rights can be properly respected and
protected (Setiawan & Putranto, 2023). James H. Wolfe identifies several characteristics of
terrorism as follows:
a.
Motivation for terrorism
Terrorism can arise from a variety of motivations, including
political grievances, religious extremism, socio-economic disparities, or
ethnic tensions. While some terrorist groups aim to achieve political
objectives such as overthrowing governments or seceding territories, others may
pursue non-political goals such as promoting religious ideologies or creating
chaos to destabilize societies. The diverse array of motivations underscores
the complexity of addressing the root causes of terrorism and highlights the
need for nuanced strategies in countering it.
b.
Targets of terrorism
Terrorist acts can target a wide range of entities,
including civilians, public facilities, military installations, or symbolic
landmarks. Civilians are often targeted to instill fear and sow discord within
populations, while attacks on public facilities aim to disrupt normalcy and
undermine confidence in government institutions. Additionally, military
facilities or personnel may be targeted to weaken the state's ability to
respond effectively or to provoke armed conflict. The selection of targets
reflects the strategic objectives of terrorist groups and their efforts to
achieve maximum impact with minimal resources.
c.
Purpose of terrorist acts
Terrorism is fundamentally a tactic employed to achieve
specific goals, which often involve coercing governments or influencing public
opinion. By instigating fear and insecurity through violence, terrorist groups
seek to pressure governments into acceding to their demands or altering
policies in their favor. Whether seeking political concessions, territorial
autonomy, or ideological dominance, the overarching aim is to exert leverage
and manipulate the course of events through forceful means. Thus, acts of
terrorism are not merely random acts of violence but calculated actions with
strategic objectives aimed at achieving broader agendas.
d.
Violation of international norms
Terrorism constitutes a blatant violation of international
law and ethical principles governing human behavior. By deliberately targeting
non-combatants and civilian infrastructure, terrorists disregard the
fundamental rights to life, security, and dignity enshrined in international
conventions and norms. Moreover, the indiscriminate nature of terrorist attacks
undermines the principles of proportionality and distinction inherent in the
laws of armed conflict, further exacerbating the humanitarian consequences of
such acts. Consequently, the international community condemns terrorism
unequivocally and has implemented legal frameworks and counterterrorism
measures to prevent and prosecute those responsible for such egregious
violations.
Domestically,
several factors cause terrorism and radicalism. First, there is a widening
social and political gap, such as the gap between the rich and the poor.
Second, international networks provide logistical support to local groups, such
as those who have undergone military training in the Philippines or
Afghanistan. Third, cultural factors, such as a narrow view of religious
ideology, especially with regard to the concepts of
jihad and Khilafah in Islam, are interpreted narrowly
and sectorally. This view is often developed by
structuralism, which considers that the roots of terrorism include equal
rights, protection of civilians, and freedom (Zaidan, 2017).
A number of
counter-terrorism policies were implemented with the aim of limiting the
capabilities of terrorist groups or networks so that they no longer have the
capability to launch terrorist acts and cannot attack important strategic
targets. Actions taken by the government also increase security in various
locations that are potential targets for terrorist attacks, such as hotels,
offices, and shopping centers, with the aim of preventing possible attacks (Maulana, 2021). Intelligence is one of the most important counterterrorism
policies in an effort to prevent and respond to the
threat of terrorism. Through collecting, analyzing, and disseminating relevant
and accurate information, intelligence allows security forces to better
understand the nature and dynamics of terrorist groups, including their goals,
strategies, and potential targets. By thoroughly understanding the threat,
security forces can design effective prevention strategies and respond quickly
in the event of an attack.
Conceptually,
state intelligence in a democratic context is needed to anticipate possible
threats to national security. Within this framework, the objectives of
intelligence are (1) to prevent the occurrence of adverse strategic incidents,
and (2) to provide security policymakers with valuable preliminary information
to enhance understanding and vigilance (Mujianto, Hidayat, Akim, & Djuyandi, 2022).
A
broad understanding of national security often advocates prioritizing the
concept of human security. Direct threats to individuals are understood through
the lens of human security, as security focuses not only on the state and
state-related entities but also on individuals as important actors in shaping
the structure of statehood (Lindawaty, 2018).
Human
security is outlined in seven aspects, which include: first, economic security
which relates to poverty and guarantees the fulfillment of basic needs; second,
food security which seeks to ensure access to adequate food; third, health
security which is related to easy access to protection from disease and health
services; fourth, environmental security which relates to human protection from
various environmental threats, including pollution and access to clean natural
resources; fifth, personal security that focuses on the safety of individuals
from physical threats such as domestic violence, crime, and accidents; sixth,
community security that emphasizes the preservation of cultural identity and
security from ethnic or communal conflict; and seventh, political security that
seeks to protect freedom of speech, association, and uphold human rights (Karisma, 2023).
State
defense and security are fundamental aspects of maintaining state sovereignty.
The Indonesian Constitution, reflected in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic
of Indonesia (UUD NRI 1945), clearly states that the purpose of the state is to
protect the entire Indonesian nation and all its citizens (Hilmy & Azmi, 2021). Therefore, the government is responsible for maintaining
national sovereignty and integrity from internal and external threats.
Terrorism is considered a crime that violates humanity harms international
civilization, threatens world peace, and disrupts prosperity. Therefore,
stricter measures are needed to prevent and tackle the threat of terrorism in
Indonesia (Gibran & Hidayati, 2023).
Terrorism
eradication in Indonesia must be carried out continuously, even though there
are no reports about the presence of terrorist groups in certain areas. The
process of eradicating terrorism should be organized like the human immune
system that has antibodies. Indonesia needs to closely supervise and observe
all parties involved in the counterterrorism effort, including every individual
and organization in the society that may be involved in harmful activities, in
accordance with the principle of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia
(Zulfikar & Aminah, 2020). In this regard, intelligence plays a very vital role in
eradicating local terrorism by providing accurate, timely, and in-depth
information about existing threats. This allows security forces to
comprehensively understand the nature and network of terrorist groups,
including their potential targets, possible tactics, and strategies. By understanding
the modus operandi of terrorist groups, security forces can plan effective
countermeasures and rapid responses to threats (Bahroji & Roffi, 2023).
Intelligence
also helps in identifying individuals involved in terrorist activities or
radicalism, both locally and internationally. By monitoring their activities
and gathering solid evidence, law enforcement authorities can follow up with
investigations and arrests, breaking the terrorists' supply chain and reducing
their ability to carry out attacks. Intelligence information is also important
in designing effective terrorism prevention policies and strategies, such as
deradicalization programs, public education, or other preventive measures. A
strong and effectively coordinated intelligence presence is a key element in
the fight against local terrorism. It helps build a better understanding of the
threats faced. It enables security forces to take the necessary steps to
protect the public from terrorist attacks and ensure the safety and stability
of the community.
Local
counterterrorism communities play a key role in preventing and countering
terrorism threats at the level closest to the community. They have in-depth
knowledge of the social, economic and political
dynamics in their area, and can quickly identify signs of suspicious terrorist
activity. With the active involvement of the community, valuable intelligence
information can be gathered, providing the necessary clues to prevent terrorist
attacks before they happen or respond quickly in the event of a threat (Budiman, 2016).
In
addition, local counterterrorism communities also play an important role in
building community resilience against propaganda and recruitment by terrorist
groups. By strengthening social ties and values that promote inclusion and
tolerance, communities can fortify themselves against radicalization and
extremism. Through well-coordinated education, awareness and prevention
programs, local counterterrorism communities can be at the forefront of
countering terrorist ideologies and providing support and rehabilitation to
individuals affected by them. Thus, close collaboration between local
counterterrorism communities, government, and security agencies is key to
building a safe and secure environment.
The
community's role in gathering intelligence on local terrorism activities is
crucial in preventing and countering terrorism threats. Communities that have
direct access to the environment where terrorist activities are taking place
may be able to detect early signs or changes in suspicious behavior from
individuals or groups involved in terrorist activities. Through active
engagement and cooperation between citizens and security forces, important
information such as movements, meetings, or even attack plans can be identified
early, enabling effective preventive action. By building a strong relationship
between the security forces and the community, the community can be an
invaluable source of intelligence in combating local terrorism threats (Mahyudin, 2016). So that this becomes one of the strategies for preventing
terrorists. Strategy is a tool to achieve goals or competitive advantage by
looking at external and internal factors (Sudarmadi & Runturambi, 2019).
However,
an evaluation of the community's role in intelligence gathering should also
consider some challenges and limitations. Not all community members may feel
comfortable sharing information with the security forces for fear of reprisal
or stigmatization from terrorist groups. Furthermore, there is a risk that the
information provided by the community is inaccurate or even misleading, which
can interfere with law enforcement efforts and lead to unfair profiling.
Therefore, it is important to build trust and ensure that there are adequate
protection and privacy mechanisms to encourage greater participation from the
community in terrorism prevention efforts. Thus, an evaluation of the
community's role in intelligence gathering on local terrorism activities should
take into account these complex dynamics to maximize
its effectiveness.
CONCLUSION
Communities
have a very important role in gathering local terrorism intelligence.
Communities are able to provide important information
about terrorist activities that law enforcement officials often cannot obtain
through conventional methods. However, despite having great potential, the
community's role in gathering terrorism intelligence is still faced with
various significant challenges. These challenges include the public's lack of
knowledge and understanding about terrorism, distrust of law enforcement
officials, and fear of possible retaliation from terrorist groups for those who
provide information. To overcome this challenge, joint efforts are needed
between the government, security institutions and the community. Steps such as
increasing education and training about terrorism for the community,
strengthening relations between the community and law enforcement officials,
and providing protection to individuals who provide information about terrorism
are key in increasing the role of communities in gathering local terrorism
intelligence.
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