66. Text — Bahasa Inggris
The concept of bela negara (state defense) in Indonesia extends far beyond conventional military service. According to Law No. 3 of 2002 on State Defense, every Indonesian citizen bears the responsibility to participate in efforts to defend the nation. This participation, however, is not limited to bearing arms. It encompasses a broad spectrum of civic duties: maintaining national unity, preserving cultural heritage, combating radicalism and extremism, and contributing to national development.
In recent years, the Indonesian government has expanded its bela negara program to include young professionals, students, and civil servants. Participants undergo training that emphasizes five pillars: love of the homeland, national awareness, belief in Pancasila, willingness to sacrifice for the nation, and initial defense capabilities. Critics argue that the program risks militarizing civilian life, while proponents contend that it cultivates a sense of shared responsibility indispensable to national cohesion.
The digital era has introduced new dimensions to the concept of state defense. Cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and economic espionage now pose as great a danger to national security as conventional military threats. Consequently, digital literacy, critical thinking, and media literacy have become essential components of modern bela negara. A citizen who can identify and counter misinformation is, in this framework, as vital to national defense as a soldier on the battlefield.
According to the text, which of the following best describes the scope of bela negara as defined by Indonesian law?