UK ‘actively collaborating’ with Indonesia in using counterterrorism laws to curb civil liberties: report

A UK-based rights group has accused the British government of turning a blind eye and abetting Indonesia’s use of counterterrorism laws to restrict civil liberties.

“The UK government is actively collaborating with Indonesia on so-called counter-extremism even as Indonesia uses that excuse to shut down minority religions and target critics,” said Jacob Smith, UK accountability team leader at Rights and Security International (RSI).

In a new report released on Monday, RSI argued that the UK government was playing a behind-the-scenes role in Indonesia’s anti-extremism policy formulation and funding the training of its anti-terrorism personnel.

The NGO said this was done through two official channels: the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and one of its subdivisions, the International Prevent Programme (IPP).

According to the UK government’s statistics, it spent £352 million (US$435.9 million) on CSSF worldwide in 2023, up from the £307 million in 2022. The programme’s stated aim is tackling “conflict, stability and security challenges overseas which threaten UK national security”. It supports more than 90 programmes worldwide through a combination of development aid and security efforts.

The IPP is an extension of the United Kingdom’s own Prevent programme, first introduced in 2003, and described as a government-led, multi-agency initiative that “aims to stop individuals becoming terrorists”.

Rights advocates have accused it of unfairly targeting Muslim communities and encouraging professionals, such as teachers and National Health Service employees, to report suspected radical behaviour, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and bias.

“The most recent available figures show the UK spends up to £7 million a year on its