Indonesian Journal of Counter Terrorism and National Security
Indonesian Journal of Counter Terrorism and National Security (ISSN Online: 2829-890X ISSN Print: 2829-9027) is an open access and double blind peer-reviewed journal published by the Faculty of Law Universitas Negeri Semarang and managed by Counterterrorism and Anti-Radicalism Studies Center, Faculty of Law Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia. The Journal publishes articles, research briefs, case notes, and book reviews concerning Terrorism Studies from a multidisciplinary perspective, including Law, Politics, Economics, Psychology, Social, Religious, Education, Security, and any related issues, whether in Indonesia or the Global context. The journal is published biannually. The Journal offers a national, regional, and international perspective on current areas of scholarly and applied debate within the field of counterterrorism and national security. Title : Indonesian Journal of Counter Terrorism and National Security Editor in Chief : Prof. Dr. Ali Masyhar Mursyid, S.H., M.H. ISSN : Online: 2829-890X | Print: 2829-9027 DOI Prefix : 10.15294/ijcnts Publisher : Faculty of Law, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia Frequency : 2 (two) issues per year
Legal Protection for Witnesses and Victims of Crimes of Terrorism
Terrorism is a form of extraordinary crime that is an enemy to mankind. Terrorism throughout history has been a very frightening specter. This is inseparable from the impact it causes, the loss is not only property, life, physical, psychological, but also creates an atmosphere of terror that grips all levels of society. Therefore, victims and witnesses of acts of terrorism must receive protection in view of these various things. As a state of law, Indonesia has established several laws and regulations governing the protection of victims of terrorism, including Law no. 15 of 2003, as amended by Law no. 5 of 2018 concerning Amendments to Law Number 15 of 2003 concerning Stipulation of Government Regulations in Lieu of Law Number 1 of 2002 concerning Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism into Law, Law no. 13 of 2006, as amended by Law no. 31 of 2014 concerning Amendments to Law Number 13 of 2006 concerning the Protection of Witnesses and Victims and other regulations. With the existence of a legal footing that regulates, it is hoped that it can provide protection for witnesses and victims of acts of terrorism. In addition, various parties also play a role in the recovery of victims from acts of terrorism, including; police institutions, social services, hospitals, Kesbangpol, PMI, NGOs, LPSK, and so on. However, witnesses and victims of criminal acts of terrorism in obtaining legal protection through the above regulations are not always in line with the existing reality. This is inseparable from the existence of inhibiting factors, both in the aspect of legal substance, legal structure, and legal culture components.
Beyond Terrorism: An Interdisciplinary Legal Study of The Motivation, Impact, and Solidarity of Lone Wolf Terrorism
Lone wolf terrorism is terrorism committed by individuals without direct affiliation with large terrorist organizations. This phenomenon is increasingly worrying in various countries, including Indonesia. Attacks by self-radicalized individuals have a different pattern from conventional terrorism, as the perpetrators act alone and are difficult to detect by security forces. In Indonesia, the increase in Lone Wolf terrorism cases in recent years is due to the easy access to the internet and social media that spread radicalism. The city of Surabaya came under scrutiny after the terrorist attacks in May 2018, where several acts were linked to large networks such as Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The government and local communities, such as the Community of Peace Fighters, have tried to prevent radicalization through deradicalization programs and monitoring of vulnerable individuals. However, the individualistic and disorganized nature of lone wolf terrorism makes it difficult to anticipate. This research aims to identify patterns of radicalization that can give rise to lone terrorists, who are not directly affiliated with terrorist groups. The method used is interdisciplinary legal research with a qualitative approach, which was carried out at the Surabaya Peace Fighters Community, which is under the guidance of the Special Da'wah Institute (LDK) of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PWM) of East Java. The results of this study show that there are so many external factors that make a person radicalized. One of them is ideological factors, social conditions, structural injustices that encourage them to rebel, and the most powerful is the understanding that radical actions are justified by religious teachings (Islam).
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Bali Bombing and the Erosion of the Legality Principle: A Juridical Analysis of the Application of Retroactive Law in Countering Terrorism in Indonesia
The Bali Bombing I incident in 2002 became an important turning point in counterterrorism in Indonesia. However, the absence of specific regulations related to terrorism during the incident forced the government to issue Perppu No. 1 Year 2002, which was then applied retroactively. This retroactive application of criminal law raises serious issues in the national legal system, especially against the principle of nullum delictum nulla poena sine praevia lege poenali, which is a fundamental principle in the rule of law. This article aims to analyze the validity of the implementation of the Perppu from a normative juridical perspective, as well as to assess whether the argument that the crime of terrorism is an "extraordinary crime" can be used as a justification for retroactive law. By examining national legislation, the constitution, as well as international human rights law instruments such as the ICCPR, this article finds that the government's action has the potential to violate the principle of legality and open space for unconstitutional legal practices in the future. Therefore, strengthening the principles of the rule of law should be the main foundation in drafting anti-terrorism regulations in Indonesia.
ASEAN's Role in Countering Global Terrorism Towards Strengthening the Implementation of Regional Security Policy
The threat of global terrorism has grown beyond national borders and become a strategic issue in international security, including in Southeast Asia. ASEAN as a regional forum and organization plays an important role in building collective cooperation among member states to tackle transnational acts of terrorism. This article discusses ASEAN cooperation in countering terrorism through instruments such as ACCT, ASEANAPOL, AMMTC, ASC, ARF to defense forums such as ADMM and ADMM-Plus. Using a normative legal approach and descriptive qualitative method, this research evaluates the effectiveness of regional security policy implementation, and identifies the main obstacles such as differences in national legal systems, the lack of integration of digital legal instruments, and attachment to the principles of non-intervention and consensus (ASEAN Way). The results of the study show that although ASEAN has various security cooperation institutions, actual coordination in cross-border law enforcement is still not optimal. Differences in views on criminal penalties, the absence of digital evidentiary standards, and the absence of regional-scale operational agencies are the main obstacles. However, the decline in terror attacks in Southeast Asia since 2019 reflects that cooperation in prevention and intelligence is starting to show results. To strengthen ASEAN's role in dealing with global terrorism, it is necessary to establish a regional counter-terrorism agency with technical authority, develop the ASEAN Model Criminal Code as a measure of criminal law harmonization, and strengthen institutions to be able to react to threats in a fast, integrated, and binding manner. With these steps, ASEAN can move from being just a dialog forum to becoming a key actor in creating a resilient and sustainable regional security system.
Hoax and Fake News by Saracen Syndicate and the Problems for National Cyber Security
Along with the times, information technology has taken an important role in society. Information technology not only has a positive impact but also has a negative impact, this is what then gives rise to an idiom that we often hear together, that information technology is like a double-edged knife. On the one hand, with the existence of information technology, it encourages demand for products. the technology itself, such as computers, modems, facilities to build internet networks and so on, then facilitates business transactions, especially financial businesses in addition to other businesses. But on the other hand, the use of information technology also invites crime. Cybercrime is a form of virtual crime by utilizing computer media that is connected to the internet and includes everything related to criminal acts.
ybercrime, Hoax and Fake News, National Security, Cyber Security
Hoax and Provocative Contents by Muslim Cyber Army (MCA) and Its Enforcement in Indonesia
The existence of globalization with marked advances in technology and communication does not only have a positive impact on society. It is undeniable that the negative impact always lurks the people who take advantage of these advances. One of the negative impacts that arise is the existence of crimes that occur in cyberspace or cyber crime or commonly known as cybercrime. Recently, Indonesia was faced with one of these forms of cybercrime, namely an organization calling itself the Muslim Cyber Army. The motives of the actions and the impacts left by the existence of the Muslim Cyber Army can be identified and studied further by looking at the laws and regulations in Indonesia and their relationship with one of the fields of legal study, namely Law and Technology.
Muslim Cyber Army, Cyber Crime, Hoax, National Security, Law Enforcement
Hacker and the Treat for National Security: Challenges in Law Enforcement
Globalization has become the driving force behind the birth of the era of information technology development. The development of this technology is very fast and has spread to all corners of the world. The development of information technology is not only felt by developed countries but developing countries also feel the development of information technology, so that information technology gets an important position for the progress of society in this modern era. The need for computer network technology is increasing. Apart from being a medium for providing information, through the internet, commercial community activities are also the largest and growing rapidly and penetrate various national borders. Even through this network market activities in the world can be known for 24 hours. Through the world of the internet or also called cyber space, anything can be done. The positive side of this virtual world of course adds to the trend of world technology development with all forms of human creativity. However, the negative impact cannot be avoided. When pornography is rife on the internet, people can't do much. Along with the development of internet technology, causing the emergence of a crime called cyber crime or crime through the internet network or cyberspace. The emergence of several cases of cyber crime in Indonesia, such as credit card theft, hacking of several sites, tapping other people's data transmissions, such as e-mail and manipulating data by preparing unwanted commands into computer programmers. So that in computer crimes it is possible to have formal offenses and material offenses. Formal offense is the act of someone entering someone else's computer without permission, while material offense is an act that causes harm to other people.
Cyber Crime, Cyber Security, National Security, Information Technology
Law Enforcement Arrangements in Online Prostitution in Indonesian Security Context
This research is descriptive normative legal research with a statutory approach, which examines laws and regulations related to the legal issues raised and an analytical approach. the text of a statute. The type of data used is secondary data. The secondary data sources used include primary legal materials, secondary legal materials, and tertiary legal materials. The data collection technique used is the study of documents or library materials. The study of documents or library materials includes efforts to collect data by visiting libraries, reading, reviewing, and studying books, literature, articles, magazines, newspapers, scientific essays, papers, internet related to the object of research. The results of the study show that Indonesia's positive legal regulations regulate crime of pornography on the internet (cyberporn) as a cybercrime including Article 281-283 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), Law Number 8 of 1992 concerning Film, Law Number 36 of 1999 concerning Telecommunication, Article 5 paragraph 1 and Article 13 paragraph (1) letter a of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press, Article 36 paragraph (5) of Law Number 32 of 2002 concerning Broadcasting, Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE Law) and Law Number 44 of 2008 concerning Pornography. The regulation is considered inadequate when it comes to the current development of pornography on the internet (cyberporn), including the provision of unclear limits on pornography, the authorities to take certain actions in dealing with the problem of pornography, the threat of punishment that is too light, the lack of clarity on the parties deemed appropriate for the crime. accountable for crimes categorized as pornography, and inconsistent law enforcement.
Prostitution, Cyberporn, Law Enforcement, Security
The Urgency of Completing Revision of Indonesia's Anti-Terrorism Law
On 18 October 2002, Anti-Terrorism Law was signed into law by Megawati Soekarnoputri This kind of law has caused a significant legal controversy in because this law signed only six days after the unfamous Bali Bombings took place on 12 October 2002. The Law itself had first been drafted in 2002 more precisely in April on response to the then most recent terrorist incident which opened the eyes of global citizen from the danger of terrorism, the 9/11 incident in New York 2001. From 2002, The Anti-Terrorism LAW has been used to punish and investigate those who involved in the many incidents such as the bombing of the Marriot Hotel in 2003, the Australian Embassy incident in September 2004, and the round two of Bali bombing which take place in October 2005. Since 2005 the proposed revision of the Anti-Terrorism Law getting stronger. The proposed revision mainly talks about the addition of term of arrest and detention.
Anti-Terrorism, Counter Terrorism, Anti Radicalism
Social Media As A Catalyst For Future Terrorist Recruitment: A Bibliometric Analysis of Emerging Trends And Countermeasures
This study addresses the growing challenge of terrorist recruitment and radicalization via social media by mapping scholarly activity and thematic evolution in this field. Its objective is to identify publication trends and key research themes related to digital extremism from 2015 to 2025. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 416 Scopus-indexed articles, employing VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to generate co‑occurrence networks and thematic evolution maps. Results reveal a marked increase in research output since 2017 peaking in 2020 amid heightened online engagement during the COVID‑19 pandemic and a geographic concentration of authorship in the United States and the United Kingdom, with limited contributions from regions most affected by terrorism, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Thematic analysis indicates a shift from early studies on propaganda dissemination (2015–2018) to advanced examinations of algorithmic radicalization, AI‑enabled recruitment, encrypted coordination, and emerging threats like deepfake propaganda (2019–2025). We conclude that effective countermeasures require proactive, multidisciplinary strategies, including community‑based interventions targeting socio‑psychological vulnerabilities, cross‑platform regulatory cooperation, and AI‑driven content moderation. This framework underscores the necessity of integrating technological, psychological, and policy perspectives to counter evolving digital radicalization.
Legislative, Rehabilitative, and Educational Approaches in Counter-Terrorism: A Theoretical and Comparative Review
This paper examines the integrative potential of legislative, rehabilitative, and educational strategies in Malaysia’s counter-terrorism policy, particularly within the framework of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). The main problem addressed is the fragmented implementation of these three pillars, which often operate in isolation despite their complementary roles. The objective of this study is to analyze how these strategies interact, and to assess the extent to which Malaysia’s PCVE framework aligns with integrative models applied in other regions, such as South Asia and Latin America. Employing a qualitative literature-based method, the study draws from official policy documents, academic research, and comparative analysis to explore institutional strengths, implementation gaps, and strategic opportunities. The findings show that while Malaysia has developed a comprehensive legal and institutional infrastructure, coordination among state actors and involvement of civil society remain limited. The comparison reveals that inclusive governance and cross-sector collaboration significantly enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts. The paper concludes that Malaysia’s PCVE strategy would benefit from a more interconnected approach that emphasizes transparency, participatory frameworks, and education-driven resilience. These insights offer valuable contributions to the refinement of Malaysia’s national security strategy and provide broader implications for sustainable and rights-based counter-terrorism policies globally
Integration of National Security and Rehabilitation in Sentencing for Perpetrators of Terrorist Crimes
This research analyzes the integration between national security interests and rehabilitation in the sentencing system for terrorists in Indonesia, focusing on how the legal framework, policies, and law enforcement practices can combine strict monitoring mechanisms in special correctional institutions with deradicalization and social reintegration programs. The research method relies on a document study of Law No. 5 of 2018 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Terrorism, the national action plan for counter-terrorism, as well as a comparative analysis of terrorism sentencing models in Malaysia and Singapore based on a literature review and secondary data. The research results indicate that Indonesia's regulations have adopted a balanced approach between security and rehabilitation by establishing special class correctional institutions and religious psychosocial-based deradicalization programs. However, its implementation is hindered by limitations in human resources, funding allocation, and a lack of post-release monitoring mechanisms. The recidivism rate remains significant despite cases of successful rehabilitation for inmates who receive adequate economic and psychosocial support. The research concludes that the effectiveness of counter-terrorism sentencing requires synergy between institutions, a multisectoral approach, and strengthening the capacity of rehabilitation infrastructure. Policy recommendations include revising the Anti-Terrorism Law to clarify mandatory rehabilitation clauses, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement human resources and correctional facility managers' capacity, and developing post-release economic and community-based reintegration programs.
Reframing Bioterrorism After The 2001 Anthrax Attack: Strategic Shifts In U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
This article examines the 2001 Anthrax attacks as a turning point in US counterterrorism strategy, emphasizing how the event redefined biological threats as matters of national security. Using information from intelligence reports, how governments have responded to this, and a theoretical framework based on Michel Foucault's idea of biopolitics, this study looks at intelligence failures and the move from reacting to counterterrorism to being proactive. The securitization of health is explored as a means by which microbial threats can be transformed into strategic tools for state control, with consequences for civil liberties, global diplomacy, and public trust. The article argues that bioterrorism, particularly the anthrax case, should be understood not only as a security breach, but also as a political event that altered the way in which the state governs life. By doing so, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how non-traditional threats can reshape security frameworks in the modern era concerning to the topic discussed.
Juridical Analysis of the Double Track System in Countering Terrorism Acts In Indonesia
Terrorism has become a serious concern crime in Indonesia, where the methods of countering it through law enforcement are currently faced with a number of challenges. Countering terrorism is faced with the situation of rapid development of modern terrorism and the contradiction between the need to handle terrorism as holistically as possible with existing regulations and a shift in the paradigm of modern law. This study aims to analyze the regulation of terrorism crimes in Indonesia from the perspective of a double track system in imposing sanctions. This research is also intended to identify and elaborate on the need to reform the penal policy to counter terrorism through the application of a pattern of imposing sanctions with a double track system for terrorism act. The method used in this study is doctrinal legal reasearch using a statutory approach and conseptual approach. The results obtained through this research are that the double track system has not been used and is firmly stated as a pattern for imposing sanctions for terrorism crimes in Indonesia. Furthermore, the double track system in imposing sanctions for terrorism crimes can be an idea for reforming penal policies in effective and holistic countermeasures of terrorism. The implementation of the double track system is based on the need for the law to respond to the development of terrorism, increase the effectiveness of the Terrorism Law, and adjust the paradigm of modern law.
Role of Justice Collaborators in Uncovering Terrorist Networks: Effectiveness Analysis in Indonesia’s Criminal Justice System
Terrorism is a type of organized crime that falls into the category of extraordinary crime. Overcoming this also requires the use of extraordinary measures. Justice collaborator (JC) is a scheme that can optimize the process of handling criminal acts of terrorism, which not only includes repressive efforts (penal path) but prevents similar crimes from occurring early by revealing a wider terrorist network. This study analyzes the role of justice collaborators (JC) in revealing terrorist networks and the effectiveness of their application in the criminal justice system. This study is a type of juridical-normative research using a statute approach. The role of justice collaborators (JC) in revealing terrorist networks has been regulated in several rules that are separate from regulations on overcoming criminal acts of terrorism. The non-single legal basis gives rise to different interpretations, thus having implications for the ineffectiveness of the role of justice collaborators (JC) in revealing terrorist networks. This can be seen from the absence of a unified coordination of law enforcement officers to ensure the fulfillment of the rights of protection and appreciation for justice collaborators (JC). The implementation in the criminal justice system raises several obstacles, including the mechanism, multi-agency coordination, qualifications, and credibility of the perpetrators who are made justice collaborators (JC). This study concludes that there needs to be an update to regulating justice collaborators (JC) into a single law binding on all criminal justice institutions. There are two update mechanisms: creating a single law or including it in the Criminal Code Bill. Further research is expected to deepen the understanding of empirical data and the use of normative data.
Dynamics of Anti-Terrorism Regulation: A Comparative Study Between Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States
This paper examines the dynamics of anti-terrorism regulations in Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States by comparing the legal frameworks and law enforcement mechanisms in each country. legal frameworks and law enforcement mechanisms that apply in each country. The purpose of this research is to analyse how each country shapes its anti-terrorism law as a response to national threats, while at the same time maintaining a balance of as a response to national threats, while at the same time maintaining the balance between state security and human rights protection. The main issues discussed include differences in legal approach, scope of state authority in counter-terrorism operations, as well as monitoring mechanism to prevent authority in counter-terrorism operations, as well as monitoring mechanism to prevent abuse of authority. abuse of authority. The method used is juridical method used is normative-comparative juridical by analysing statutory instruments, government policies, and institutional practices in the three countries. The results The results show that Indonesia emphasises procedural guarantees in its anti-terrorism law, Malaysia maintains a preventive detention model rooted in historical security doctrine. rooted in historical security doctrine, while the United States applies a layered a layered approach backed by extensive intelligence powers and judicial oversight. judicial oversight. In conclusion, although all three countries prioritise national security, their approaches reflect different security, their approaches reflect different legal traditions and political contexts. political context. Therefore, a balanced regulatory model should take into account effectiveness, constitutional accountability and protection of fundamental rights.
Strengthening the Early Detection Capability of CBRN Crimes to Improve National Security
The threat of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) crimes is increasingly complex and has the potential to disrupt the stability of Indonesia's domestic security. This study aims to analyse efforts to strengthen early detection capabilities against CBRN crimes to improve national security. The method used is a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical method, supported by literature study and SWOT analysis. The results show that although Indonesia has supporting institutions and regulations, such as BAPETEN, BRIN, as well as Law No. 10 of 1997 and Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2019, cross-sector coordination is still weak and there is no leading sector that regulates the handling of CBRN threats in an integrated manner. Several real cases such as the use of radioactive materials by terrorist groups in Bandung 2017 and the delivery of envelopes containing anthrax in Jakarta 2019 emphasise the urgency of strengthening the early detection system. The SWOT analysis recommends policy priorities in the form of establishing a national coordinating institution, increasing human resource capacity and detection technology, developing integrated protocols, and strengthening international cooperation. With strategic and collaborative steps, Indonesia can build a CBRN early detection system that is resilient and responsive in facing future threat dynamics.
Legal Analysis of the Modus Operandi of Terrorism Funding Under the Guise of Charity
Terrorist funding is an important part of a series of terrorist acts. Various methods are used by terrorist groups to obtain funds as an effort to continue to exist to spread radicalism and carry out acts of terror. According to data, the population in Indonesia has a high level of generosity in the world, this makes terrorist groups take advantage of opportunities by using the guise of charity by using non-profit organizations (NPOs) to obtain funds with structured methods and without using violence. This study aims to analyze the mode used by NPOs in carrying out the guise of charity as a medium for collecting funds and the form of formulation for eradicating terrorism funding that has been taken by the government, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and actions in the national context. This study uses a normative legal research method with a statute approach. This study emphasizes the aspect of fundraising carried out by NPOs in a series of terrorism funding activities. The Indonesian government must always control NPOs by coordinating with related institutions. This is a step in overcoming terrorism funding under the guise of charity in order to create safe and responsible fundraising activities which will be explained in this study.
Non Penal Policy for Preventing Terorism Criminal Acts Through Contextualization Jihad Command in Islamic Sharia
This research is a research in the field of criminal law with a study of non-penal policies regarding the prevention of criminal acts of terrorism, the purpose of this study is to determine the factors that cause perpetrators of criminal acts of terrorism to interpret their actions as jihad and what form of policy can be taken to prevent criminal acts of terrorism. The type of research used here is a normative research type with a conceptual approach, namely comparing the events of criminal acts of terrorism in the name of jihad with the concept of jihad in Islamic law. It is hoped that this research can contribute to criminal law both in terms of legal culture, legal structure and legal subtance in order to understand that Islam is a just religion and all incidents of criminal acts of terrorism are a form of deviation from Jihad.
The Legal Politics of Regulating Special Terrorism Crimes under Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code
Legal politics in the context of criminal law must be analyzed seriously, both in relation to material criminal law and formal criminal law. Law No. 5 of 2018 concerning Terrorism Crimes and Law No. 9 of 2013 concerning Terrorism Financing Crimes underwent changes after the enactment of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (Indonesian Criminal Code). This amendment includes a bridge article relating to criminal acts of terrorism within the Criminal Code, which thus has implications for the elaboration of general and special rules. The purpose of this research is to find out how to use logical (Logische Specialiteit) or systematic (Systematische Specialiteit) specialties in interpreting this matter. The method used is juridical-normative with an analytical and conceptual approach based on various legal literature. This research obtained 2 (two) results, namely an explanation of the rules against terrorism in Indonesian positive law and an explanation of the bridging article in the reform of the Indonesian Criminal Code with logical specificity. So it is concluded that the regulation of special terrorism regulations in the Criminal Code does not mean that it weakens the Special Law, but instead strengthens these special regulations in the future if there is a criminal act of terrorism.