INDONESIA, as the largest archipelagic country in the world, has a strategic geopolitical position in the Southeast Asia region. However, this country’s security is increasingly examined by terrorism threats which cannot be ignored.

In a geopolitical context, the efforts to prevent and overcome terrorism are in a top priority for Indonesia so that political, economic and social stability aspects are maintained.

Indonesian geopolitics also reflects cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. With more than 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, national integration is a challenge.

Moreover, Indonesia’s strategic location as an international trade route makes it vulnerable to external influences and regional security issues.

Indonesia’s strategic position as a maritime bridge between the Indonesian Ocean, the North Natuna Strait and the Pacific Ocean, has a significant impact on the geopolitical dynamics of the Southeast Asian region.

The country is at the center of regional economic and security relations, and its strategic role can influence the balance of power in Asia.

Indonesia’s geopolitical context reflects relations with neighboring countries and other powerful countries.

So smart diplomacy and effective coordination are needed, to safeguardingly national interests while still contributing to regional stability.

Terrorism is a Geopolitical threat

By diving into Indonesian geopolitics in this way, terrorism threat is a serious challenge in a geopolitical context. This has a significant impact on the stability of the country and the region.

Indonesia, with its ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, faces great complexity in responding to this threat.

A series of terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred in Bali in 2002, and in Jakarta in 2016, have made us aware that extremist groups are still active.

In a geopolitical context, terrorism is not only an internal threat, but can also trigger instability at regional and global levels. Terrorist networks often involve cross-border elements, complicating prevention and its nurturing efforts.

Additionally, in the election context, terrorism threats is a factor that can influence political stability and security.

Elections are often a crucial moment, but are instead exploited by terrorist groups to create social tension and undermine the democratic system.

Therefore, maintaining security during the election process is a top priority, so that the democratization process can take place peacefully and transparently.

Elections that are safe and free from terrorism threats require close cooperation between security forces, electoral institutions and the community.

The success of elections does not only depend on the implementation of the voting process, but also on efforts to prevent potential threats of terrorism from the planning stage to post-election.

It is important for Indonesia to continue to develop adaptive, responsive and inclusive strategies in overcoming challenges related to terrorism.

By combining these aspects, Indonesia can protect its geopolitical stability, ensure the smoothness of the election process, and maintain overall national security.

Joint efforts from the government, society and related institutions are a strong foundation for achieving this goal. And, ensuring that Indonesia remains a strong and safe country amidst the complexity of geopolitical dynamics and demands for democracy.

Prevention and control of terrorism

Apart from that, efforts to prevent and overcome terrorism must include the use of advanced technology. Integrated security systems, including effective monitoring and data analysis, can improve a country’s ability to detect patterns of terrorism and respond proactively.

Technology can also be used to monitor and identify potential online radicalization, which is increasingly becoming a trend in the digital era.

At the same time, strengthening human resources, especially in the fields of security, intelligence and law enforcement, is essential.

Intensive training and empowerment of security forces will ensure a fast and effective response to terrorism threats.

Improving the quality of human resources can also help in designing strategies that are more adaptive and responsive to developing terrorist tactics.

The role of society is also crucial. Public awareness of terrorism threats, participation in deradicalization programs, and reporting suspicious activity can be an additional layer of defense in fighting terrorism.

Collaboration between government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations is needed to create a holistic and effective strategy.

In facing terrorism threats, Indonesia must combine these elements in its national security strategy.

With strong international cooperation, leveraging technology, strengthening human resources, and balancing security and human rights, the country can protect its citizens and ensure stability at regional and global levels.

Indonesia, as a country with high geopolitical complexity, needs to take a holistic and collaborative approach in facing terrorism threats. In a geopolitical context, international cooperation plays a crucial role.

Continuing strengthen relations and exchange information with neighboring countries, as well as actively participate in regional and international security institutions is a must.

This step will improve cross-border coordination to mitigate potential threats of terrorism that could harm regional stability.

Thus, international cooperation is a key element in responding to global challenges involving countries throughout the world.

The problem is that in this era of globalization, instability in one region can quickly affect security and development in other places.

So in a geopolitical context, international cooperation can help overcome power inequalities and encourage dialogue between countries with different interests.

International organizations such as the UN, ASEAN and the European Union are important platforms for facilitating dialogue and cooperation in order to achieve common goals.

So that international cooperation can include intelligence exchange, coordination of military actions, and joint efforts in countering terrorism.

Global security is increasingly closely linked, and collaboration between countries is crucial to preventing large-scale conflict and ensuring world peace.

In addition, in the information and technology era, international cooperation also covers cyber issues and cyber security.

Countries need to work together to develop cybersecurity norms, counter cyberattacks, and ensure that information technology is used for the common good.

In this way, international cooperation is not just an option, but a necessity to overcome the complex challenges facing the world today.

Only through collaboration and coordination between countries, international organizations and the private sector can a more just, secure and sustainable world be created.

(Prof. DR. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MSI, is the former Director General of Sospol of the Ministry of Home Affairs RI, Rector of IPDN, Governor of Lemhannas RI, and currently the Board of Experts for Geopolitics and Geostrategy of BPIP RI.)