Author(s): Dini Dewi Heniarti
Purpose: This study aimed at investigating the use of military force in the fight against terrorism since terrorism has developed into a threat with negative impacts on the global order of life causing a danger to security, world peace, and people’s welfare. In the development of threat perspective, the boundary between defense and security sector affairs has become thinner. Therefore, the definition of threats to defense and security is important in determining the steps for involving state apparatus, including Indonesian National Armed Foreces (Tentara Natsional Indonesia/TNI), Police of the Republic of Indonesia (POLRI), and other institutions. One of TNI’s main tasks is military operations other than war including overcoming terrorism acts. Finding: The result of study reveal that the history of each country plays a role and uses the selected approaches strategically. Several countries involve the military in countering terrorism based on two frameworks, namely full militarization and assistance to law enforcement. The wide scope of handling terrorism has resulted in the emergence of the idea of the importance of involving TNI in efforts to eradicate terrorism. This can be seen from the nature of the threat from terrorism acts, which is not limited to criminal acts, but can be seen as a threat to defense, which has implications for changes in the security situation. Hence, in a strategic context, it requires comprehensive handling. The military has a territorial structure and expertise in intelligence. This is an advantage in countering terrorism. However, the control mechanism is necessary so that TNI’s task in countering terrorism is in accordance with the applicable legislation. Originality/Value: This study was the first conducted study to explore the use of military force in criminal acts of terrorism that requires the government to carry out an assessment of the threat level and be able to carefully and quickly determine the gradation of the threat of terrorism, the developing situation, and the strength of TNI, which will be used.