Reform Stagnation: Understanding The Partial Success of Indonesia's Security Sector Reform

Athallah Mahardika, Prof. Dr. Phil. Gabriel Lele, S.IP., M.Si,

2024 | Skripsi | ILMU ADMINISTRASI NEGARA (MANAJEMEN DAN KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK)

As a nation, after decades of finding its identity, 25 years ago, Indonesia conducted security sector reform (SSR) that sought to transform Indonesia from a militaristic- autocratic government to a democratic nation. As a concept, SSR sought to professionalize the armed forces into capable and professional fighting forces that were under and subjugated to civilian control. However, the latest research about the state of the Indonesia SSR, which was conducted many years ago, shows that the Indonesia SSR is incomplete and undergoing stagnation. Consequently, this research spotlights the gap that is present and thus tries to assess the determinant factor behind SSR stagnation through an in-depth qualitative study that employed semi-structured interviews with 4 participants acquired from various stakeholders involved in the decision-making process of the defense sector both from outside and inside of the government. Throughout this research, the researcher found various determinant factors that affected the results of the Indonesia SSR; however, because of the qualitative nature of this research that aims to gain an in-depth understanding regarding this issue, the researcher sought to discuss the most fundamental determinant factor which is civil society control itself. From this research, the researcher found that Indonesia’s SSR achievement has improved in some parameters ever since 2006, although it was found that there was stagnation in some parameters and also a little setback in one aspect. Regarding the scope of civil society control, although there is a willingness of the government to establish transparency and accommodate civil society in the decision-making process of the defense sector, civil society access to information and space to collaborate is hampered by the secrecy factors of the defense sector that deemed necessary for the safety of the nation. However, with the presence of a democratic framework that is supported by free media and boosted through the internet, not only is the volume of civil society interested in the defense matter increasing, but it also finds its way to establish transparency and accommodate public interest in the defense sector policy's outcome. 

As a nation, after decades of finding its identity, 25 years ago, Indonesia conducted security sector reform (SSR) that sought to transform Indonesia from a militaristic- autocratic government to a democratic nation. As a concept, SSR sought to professionalize the armed forces into capable and professional fighting forces that were under and subjugated to civilian control. However, the latest research about the state of the Indonesia SSR, which was conducted many years ago, shows that the Indonesia SSR is incomplete and undergoing stagnation. Consequently, this research spotlights the gap that is present and thus tries to assess the determinant factor behind SSR stagnation through an in-depth qualitative study that employed semi-structured interviews with 4 participants acquired from various stakeholders involved in the decision-making process of the defense sector both from outside and inside of the government. Throughout this research, the researcher found various determinant factors that affected the results of the Indonesia SSR; however, because of the qualitative nature of this research that aims to gain an in-depth understanding regarding this issue, the researcher sought to discuss the most fundamental determinant factor which is civil society control itself. From this research, the researcher found that Indonesia’s SSR achievement has improved in some parameters ever since 2006, although it was found that there was stagnation in some parameters and also a little setback in one aspect. Regarding the scope of civil society control, although there is a willingness of the government to establish transparency and accommodate civil society in the decision-making process of the defense sector, civil society access to information and space to collaborate is hampered by the secrecy factors of the defense sector that deemed necessary for the safety of the nation. However, with the presence of a democratic framework that is supported by free media and boosted through the internet, not only is the volume of civil society interested in the defense matter increasing, but it also finds its way to establish transparency and accommodate public interest in the defense sector policy's outcome. 

Kata Kunci : Security Sector Reform, Civil Society Control, Qualitative Research, Thematic Analysis