The Threat of the Illicit Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Indonesia: An National Security Perspective

Abstract

Even though Southeast Asia is relatively a peaceful region, some internal conflicts still exist. The preliminary research on this topic found that the Southeast Asian region appears to have an abundant supply of illegal Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) such as AK-47, M-16, S & W and SS-1, which are supposed to be exclusively owned and used by the military and police officers. In the Republic of Indonesia (RI), the biggest country in Southeast Asia, the emergence of domestic conflicts since the downfall of President Soeharto has led to the rampant use of SALWs in conflict areas. Nonetheless, the threat of illegal supply of SALWs has no been placed under Indonesia’s national security priorities. In fact, delinquency in production, transfer and possession of firearms are considered only as criminal activities. This thesis an important question to what extent the circulation and the illicit proliferation of SALWs have posed a threat to Indonesia’s national security? The major assumption is that the illicit proliferation of SALWs in Indonesia’s conflict areas such as Maluku, Poso, Aceh and Papua have threatened its national security. Thus, this research aims firstly to analyse SAWLs proliferations in Southeast Asia and Indonesia and secondly to analyse the capability of the Indonesian state to response to those threats. This research used qualitative methods by using primary as well as secondary data as major sources of references. Primary data gathered were from government official documents as well as, face to face interview with experts and scholars on the issue. Field works were also conducted in conflict areas during the research period. The findings of the research show that the illicit proliferation of SALWAs has threatened Indonesia’s national security at three levels: individual, societal and state. Furthermore, this thesis concludes that the Indonesia’s national legislations on SALWAs are insufficient to regulate and control SALWs proferation. Hence, the research suggests that Indonesia should accept the assistance offered by the United Nations Programme of Action (UNPOA) to update and develop its national legislation on the illicit proliferation of SALWs.