Comprehending counterterrorism strategy in Southeast Asia: A Study on Indonesia and Malaysia

This study examines the counterterrorism strategy of Indonesian and Malaysian governments with a view to elucidate the extent to which the process of using all instruments of national power has predisposed states’ response to Jihadi-Salafi inspired terrorism to preserve their security in the international system on the basis of Self-Defense principle. On that account, this study explores the growing threat of global Islamist terrorism in Southeast Asia since the event of the 9/11 attacks on United States with a particular focus on the ISIS phenomenon and its implication to the states’ national security. It also examines the current counterterrorism practices applied by both governments and make inquiry to what extent the existing counterterrorism strategy in both countries has sufficiently developed and firmly enforced to address the evolving threat of Jihadi-Salafism terrorism. This study uses qualitative research methodology in which it substantively engages in primary and secondary data collection. Primary data were obtained from the interviews with individuals from the government that are responsible in the implementation of counterterrorism measures and academia involves in terrorism study. Direct Content Analysis is used to test validity of the data from the standpoint of Cognitive Theory of Terrorism, Neorealism approach of National Security, and the concept of National Strategy. Data analysis is then conducted by linking the research questions with the findings. This study found that both states have taken strong kinetic measures to eliminate terrorist networks and activities as well as to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks based on the criminal-justice framework. Nevertheless, as this study observed, the governments appear reluctant to embrace the other instruments of national power to develop a more effective national counterterrorism strategy and policy framework. Although the law-enforcement operations, which have been the strength of two countries, have successfully reduced the risk of terrorist attacks in both countries, finding of this research also highlights governments’ weak interest to address the root cause of radical Salafism that has notably gained influence among the Muslim population especially in Indonesia. Whilst the security community in both states has acknowledged the evolving characters of terrorism following the rise of ISIS, government engagement in the battle of idea to counter radical Jihadi-Salafism in both countries appears obscure.