Blurring Lines: The Role of Security Forces in Indonesia's Civil Sectors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study examines Indonesia's securitized response to the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by concerns over economic instability and state function disruptions. Using securitization theory, it analyzes governance mechanisms and the expanded roles of security forces, including the military, police, and intelligence agencies. The deployment of security personnel to enforce health protocols, maintain public order, and prioritize economic recovery over public health raises concerns about the normalization of security roles in civilian sectors. This article critiques the broader implications of this trend, particularly its impact on human-centered governance, civil liberties, and democratic principles. It highlights the challenges of balancing public health priorities, economic stability, and governance within a securitized framework, questioning the long-term consequences of this approach on Indonesia's democratic resilience.