Human rights concerns in Indonesia’s counterterrorism policies: The emergence of a domestic security dilemma in Indonesia’s densus 88 security posture

Abstract

The counterterrorism policies of Indonesia have led the community to perceive the government as both protectors of human rights, but fear possible oppressions at the same time. The recorded figures of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and the dismissal of legal rights for individuals suspected as terrorists, have led to the construction of fear and insecurity among the Indonesian people of the state’s approach to counterterrorism. Employing the concept of ‘Domestic Security Dilemma’ developed by Field in 2016, this article argues that; (1) Detachment 88’s coercive methods in counterterrorism have led to human rights oppression and the construction of fear and insecurity among Indonesian citizens, and (2) the emergence of a ‘Domestic Security Dilemma’ due to the growing discourse of Detachment 88’s dismissal initiated by individuals and Islamic community organization in Indonesia.