Medan. Former Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Commissioner General of Police (Ret.) Boy Rafli Amar, emphasized that the threat of foreign intervention in Indonesia is real and not just excessive concern. He conveyed this in a recent YouTube podcast by Hendri Satrio Official.

According to Boy Rafli, foreign intervention must be distinguished between positive and negative forms. Foreign investment coming in as capital is considered a form of positive intervention. However, when foreign parties begin to dictate Indonesian policies for their own interests, it falls into the category of threatening national sovereignty.

“If they dictate to us, making us comply with what they want, but it disrupts our national sovereignty and national interests, then this must be guarded carefully,” said Boy Rafli, as stated in a press release received on Wednesday (April 22, 2026).

He described Indonesia as a “beautiful girl” who is always targeted by many parties in the world. Indonesia’s diversity, ranging from 600 languages to 1,300 large and small ethnic groups, becomes a gap that can be exploited to divide the nation through foreign intelligence operations.

“If there are people who want Indonesia to become an unstable country, they can carry out such actions,” he said.

Boy Rafli also warned Indonesia not to be naive about the kindness of other countries. According to him, every international relationship must be scrutinized critically and with full vigilance to avoid ending up in dependency that erodes sovereignty.

“What is behind their kindness? If we are not vigilant, eventually they will control us,” he asserted.

He stressed the importance of Indonesia adhering to the principle of an independent and active foreign policy, as often reminded by President Prabowo Subianto. According to him, Indonesia must be able to maintain good relations with all parties without sacrificing national dignity and interests.

“One enemy is too many, a thousand friends are too few. But our dependency on foreign countries must not negate our national sovereignty,” he concluded.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian archipelago nation with over 17,000 islands, known for its rich cultural diversity and history as a major center of ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms, such as Srivijaya and Majapahit. Colonized by the Dutch for centuries, it declared independence in 1945 and is now the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Its cultural heritage includes iconic sites like Borobudur and Prambanan temples, as well as diverse traditions in dance, music, and cuisine.

Medan

Medan is the capital of North Sumatra, Indonesia, and serves as a major economic and cultural hub. Its history is deeply tied to the Deli Sultanate and the Dutch colonial era, when it grew rapidly as a center for tobacco, rubber, and palm oil plantations. Today, Medan is known for its diverse population and landmarks like the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque, reflecting a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.

National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT)

The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is an Indonesian government body established in 2010 to coordinate national counterterrorism policies, prevention, and deradicalization efforts. It was formed in response to a series of major terrorist attacks in Indonesia, such as the 2002 Bali bombings, to strengthen the country’s ability to combat terrorism and violent extremism. The agency works closely with law enforcement, military, and international partners to disrupt terrorist networks and promote ideological rehabilitation.