UI Expert: Intelligence for the State's Interests, Not Individuals

University of Indonesia lecturer in the National Resilience Studies Programme at the Postgraduate School, Stanislaus Riyanta, stressed that the function of state intelligence does not lie in the realm of practical politics. Therefore, he criticised the involvement of state intelligence in practical politics. Initially, Stanis affirmed that the main function of intelligence is to keep the state safe. “I believe that with very strict intelligence education, along with its oath and doctrine, intelligence thinks only of keeping this country safe,” said Stanis at the intelligence seminar at the IASTH Building, University of Indonesia Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4). He then emphasised that the corridor of intelligence is national interest, not individual political interest. “As long as the corridor of intelligence is national interest, I believe it is straight. What is not allowed is when intelligence serves personal interest or political interest. That is not allowed,” explained Stanis. Stanis then explained that intelligence may engage in politics, as long as it is for the state’s interest. It should not be used for practical politics. “Does intelligence not engage in politics? It may engage in state politics, yes. But when it is practical politics, return it to the user. But intelligence is state politics and national interest,” he stated. In its function, Stanis stressed that intelligence is only tasked with detecting potential threats to the continuity and security of the nation and state. “And its dynamics are varied. Intelligence is certainly everywhere, in groups that usually create threats, in groups that may potentially become threats, yes, indeed there,” explained Stanis. “The task of intelligence is that: early detection, then early warning, early prevention,” he added.