Ahmad Dani, Jakarta – There are three important things which must be guarded against in strategic terms which could influence upcoming local government elections (Pilkada) – international terrorism and the radical and separatist movements.

This was revealed by the deputy-chief of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), As’at Said, when presenting a paper on anticipating external threats to local elections at an event titled Working Plan for the Socialisation of the Election of Regional and Heads and Deputy-heads at the department of home affairs on Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara in Jakarta on Thursday night (17/2).

“By international terrorism what is meant is those who have a way to cross into the country, especially anti-American groups, because they oppose democracy”, explained Said in his talk.

By the radical movements, according to Said what is mean is a movement with a background of traditional loyalties and ideologies other than the of state ideology of Pancasila, both those who are independent and those with foreign links.

Meanwhile by the separatist movement continued Said, it is meant a movement which is trying to separate itself from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and invariably uses various ways to gain international support.

 ”These movements have the potential to disrupt the organisation of local elections”, said Said.

During the meeting which was also attended by minister of home affairs and the coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, BIN made a number of recommendations to the government with the goal of facilitating the organisation of local elections.

“[What is] needed is a communication forum between the government and parties which are involved in organising local elections”, said Said.

The second recommendation meanwhile, according to Said, is to re-intensify the role of regional intelligence commands, provincial councils and the criminal justice system.

BIN also added that there are a number of non-government organisations at the moment who are orientated to foreign parties. “This could endanger the process of democratisation in Indonesia because foreigners will interfere with the realisation of democratisation”, he said. (ast)

[Translated by James Balowski.]