Rizki Wahyudi

Profile

I am a first-year PhD student and an Indonesian Army officer. I hold a MSc in Terrorism Studies from the University of Indonesia (2022), where my research focused on the role of Special Joint Operations (Koopsgabsus) in counterterrorism efforts in Central Sulawesi, using a case study approach.

Starting on this 2025/26 academic year, I am committed to deepening my knowledge, enhancing my research skills, and expanding my academic network to become a well-rounded scholar. My doctoral research explores civil–military relations and their impact on counterterrorism effectiveness in post-authoritarian Indonesia, building on over 11 years of practical experience in military service.

Research interests

Supervised by Dr. Gordon and Prof Ted, my thesis investigates how Civil-Military Relations (CMR) shape counterterrorism (CT) effectiveness in post‑authoritarian Indonesia, a period marked by democratic consolidation and evolving security governance. The study aims to identify which CMR configurations enhance operational success while preserving legitimacy and democratic oversight. My work aims to : (1) Develop a causal framework linking CMR dimensions—civilian oversight, role conceptions, interagency coordination, doctrine/education, and territorial legacies—to CT outcomes; (2) Provide policy insights for democratic security governance in transitional contexts.

Analysis on this project will combine the key CT episodes—such as the MIT/Poso campaign and JAD network operations—with city/province–year patterns across Indonesia to capture both detailed process tracing and broader trends. This work needs a mixed evidence strategy, by analyzing documents (laws, DPR oversight records, TNI/Polri/BNPT regulations), and complemented by semi‑structured interviews with security elites, civil society actors, as well. Findings will inform how post‑authoritarian democracies can balance CT effectiveness with legitimacy, offering lessons for Indonesia and similar contexts. Hence, It will emphasis how defining clear military role distictinction in the democratic era to build civilian/community trust.

Qualifications

• MSc in Terrorism Studies University of Indonesia
• BA in Defence Administration Military Academy