Legislators Discuss Urgency of Anti-Espionage Bill
TB Hasanuddin, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) from the PDIP faction, has addressed the proposed Bill on Countering Espionage and Foreign Intervention, which is being championed by the Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Muhammad Herindra. Hasanuddin noted that the Head of BIN has raised concerns regarding espionage activities that the agency is currently unable to act upon.
“We have just begun discussions because there have been complaints from the Head of BIN stating that when there are espionage activities by foreign parties that harm our country, they are unable to take action to eliminate or arrest them, similar to the CIA or intelligence agencies in other countries,” TB Hasan लंuddin told reporters on Thursday (3/9/2026).
Hasanuddin stated that discussions within Commission I are still in the early stages and are currently being studied. So far, he noted that regulations regarding espionage overlap between the Intelligence Law and the Terrorism Law, but there is no specific dedicated regulation.
“We are currently discussing and studying whether the provisions within the Intelligence Law are sufficient. While those laws exist, the actual arrests are not carried out by intelligence or BIN, but are processed by the police. That is the first point,” he explained.
Furthermore, according to Hasanuddin, the new Criminal Code (KUHP) also contains overlapping provisions regarding espionage. However, if the Anti-Espionage Bill proceeds, it would emphasise the role of BIN in taking action against foreign entities that cause harm.
“There are also relevant articles in the new KUHP and the Terrorism Law. In essence, those three laws allow for some action, but we are studying whether this should be the role of BIN or other relevant institutions. That is the core issue,” he said.
Hasanuddin assessed that BIN has thus far been unable to follow up on foreign spies. However, the PDIP legislator noted that the discussions regarding espionage countermeasures are still in their infancy.
“It is not just about spies; it refers to activities involving espionage or the theft of state secrets,” said TB Hasanuddin.
“BIN has stated they cannot take further action due to legal limitations and are requesting a revision of the Intelligence Law. These discussions are merely the prologue,” he added.
Previously, the Head of BIN, Muhammad Herindra, urged for the implementation of the Bill on Countering Espionage and Foreign Intervention. Such regulation is considered vital amidst intensifying global geopolitical competition.
This was stated during a National Seminar titled ‘Sovereignty at the Frontline: National Policies for Countering Espionage and Foreign Intervention’, organised by the ASEAN Study Center (ASC) of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia (FISIP UI), at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday (27/8).
Herindra assessed that espionage and foreign intervention activities are challenges that must be faced seriously. He noted that many such activities operate in ‘grey areas’, making them difficult to reach through conventional legal instruments.
“Indonesia must not be too naive. We must remain open, but that openness must be accompanied by vigilance and firmness in protecting our national interests,” Herindra told reporters.