The Crucial Role of Police Intelligence in Navigating Identity Politics during Elections in Indonesia

Abstrak

This study investigated the influence of identity politics on Indonesia’s electoral dynamics during the 2014 and 2019 elections and evaluates the role of the National Police Security Intelligence Agency in addressing these challenges. Amidst the backdrop of low political literacy and the pervasive influence of social media, religious and ethnic tensions were notably manipulated for electoral gain. The research employed qualitative methods, including interviews, observations, and document analysis, primarily conducted in Jakarta. It revealed that the National Police adopted a "cooling system" intelligence strategy to effectively mitigate conflicts arising from identity politics while also considering the impact of global political trends on local scenarios. This study contributes to the development of an operational intelligence policing model, offering strategic insights for managing identity-based conflicts in democratic elections. This research not only enriches the academic discourse on electoral security and democracy but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies aiming to uphold democratic integrity amidst challenging political climates.