The Emergence of Proactive Intelligence-Led Counterterrorism Policing and Surveillance in Post-Suharto Indonesia

Amira Paripurna

Newly published 'a book chapter' on  A Critical Approach to Police Science: New Perspective in Post-Transitional Studies, Eleven International Publishing, Den Haag, The Netherlands, p. 143-168. 

this chapter examines the relationship between intelligence-led policing (ILP) and community policing, specifically, the resulting gathering of information being fed and operationalized into the intelligence cycle. It then investigates whether ILP and community policing models can coexist in post-Suharto Indonesia and evaluates the challenges in implementing these two policing models in Indonesia. Finally, the chapter critically questions the increased use of surveillance technology as an adapted strategy and its impact on the development of policing in Indonesia’s democracy. The sections of the chapter reflect this structure. Part I discusses the shift from authoritarian policing to community policing as a result of the political transition from a military dictatorship to democratic governance. Historical policing practices during the dictatorship of Suharto are briefly reviewed, and the community policing practices in the early stages of democracy in Indonesia are examined. Part II explores the emergence of ILP in Indonesia, highlighting the shift in policing style from reactive to proactive in response to terrorism after police forces were separated from the military, and discusses community policing in Indonesia operationalized through the framework of ILP. As in pre-crime policing activities, ILP is not just about crime control but also a matter of surveillance made possible by technology. Therefore, Part III considers the surveillance policy in Indonesia and critically analyses the risks it introduces for the country to slip backward and return to its authoritarian past. Part IV addresses the challenges of enhanced use of intelligence and surveillance technology when developing policing in post-authoritarian Indonesia and critically reflects on the impact of neoliberalism on policing with increasing surveillance in post- Suharto Indonesia.