Role of Intelligence in Crisis Management of Ambalat Block Dispute

Role of Intelligence in Crisis Management of Ambalat Block Dispute

By David Raja MArpaung S.IP M.Def

         Block Ambalat dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia have shown the occurrence of crises in international relations. Symmetrical conflict efforts are made to get resolved through negotiation and peaceful way. Nevertheless, it is still necessary to build a crisis-management efforts to the conflict. Management is, of course, involve all elements of Indonesian politics and defense, such as: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence,Armed Forces of Indonesia and the ranks of the Intelligence Community that related with this issue.

          In this case, the intelligence work to avoid any "suddenly" strategic that  potentially harm the state. Therefore, intelligence must be able to collect data and process information in order to strengthen information management systems and strategicanalysis in order to defend the sovereignty of Indonesia over Ambalat Block. Intelligence is the first line in anticipation of the opponent motion and analyze all the possibilities and opportunitiesthat may occur. As a cornerstone of national defense, intelligence must be able to manage their performance effectively through mechanisms that allow the exchange of information between intelligence division, and o intelligence bodies, such as police, BIN, BAIS, and etc.

           There are some intelligence bodies that  involved in Crisis management of Ambalat Block conflict,  consist of : foreign intelligence, defense intelligence,military intelligence and intelligence-related intelligence agencies.Foreign intelligence function collects all information related disputewas going on. Defense conduct counter intelligence and intelligence analysis of the strategic environment, particularly at the regional level, in order to anticipate the possibility of conflicti. 

             Military intelligence to process information on tactical fighter to face the possibility of open military conflict, including by measuring the opponent's military strength. Intelligence in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instantional perform intelligence related to the legal analysis and regional institutions and / or internationally- especially convention / international maritime law - anddopersuasion and propaganda in order to mobilize support forIndonesia in international forums ,while the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources conduct intelligence in the field of contentestimated reserves of fossil fuel energy in Ambalat, mainly related to the national interests of Indonesia in thefield of energy security.

            Intelligence functions that should be maximized in the face of asymmetric conflict such as disputes Ambalat is counter intelligence. Intelligence defense / intelligence aggressive should be able to anticipate the other party such  as information distortthe truth, especially about the strength and degree of the Indonesian military, and conduct deterrence by the other party to obtain information for the wrong information and can be used as a step of prevention.

             However, Like a crisis management, the functions of each intelligence service is a complementary function. The existence of a coordination that allows complementarity (complementarity) between function of intelligence is one thing that is inherent and vital in a crisis management. This coordination allows the exchange of information and capacity-building between intelligence institution. Any information that has been processed into intelligence must be reported to the President as the ultimate-user as consideration informulating public policy related to the issue of Ambalat. Therefore, the need for devolution of authority to a political authority which is responsible for delivering intelligence to the President.

This Manuscript was using in FGD that held by Ministry of Defense Republic of Indonesia