AsiaRights Issue 2: September/October National Security, The Media, And The Promotion of Rights In Indonesia¨

The (Counter-Terrorism) Law provides authority to the state to detain and arrest people without due process of law. Its ’ foundation provides more freedom for the state to conduct violent acts and human rights violations. Even without the Internal Security Act disguised in the Counter-Terrorism Law, pro-democracy activists and the people have to face threats from the state in the multi- interpretative articles in the Criminal Code (Hatzaai Artikellen) and from the Counter-Terrorism Law. The arrest and detaining of people of Bulukumba is clear evidence … Not to mention many pro-democracy activists who have been arrested and penalised through the Criminal Code’s multi- interpretative articles.1 The above quote reveals three issues about the state of national security in Indonesia. Firstly, it demonstrates how the Indonesian government by enacting counter-terrorism laws responds to global concerns about terrorism and national security. Secondly, it shows human rights activist’s view of national security in a country in which the state is repressive and use of military power common. Thirdly, the statement shows how human rights activists make use of the media in communicating their criticisms against the state