In an era where global mobility is at an all-time high, the need for sophisticated surveillance systems to monitor foreign nationals has become paramount. A groundbreaking study led by Prima Setiawan from the Department of Intelligence Studies at the State Intelligence College (STIN) in Indonesia sheds light on how digital transformation and geospatial intelligence (Geoint) can revolutionize foreign surveillance, particularly in the context of national security. Published in the Journal of Geoscience, Engineering, Environment and Technology (JGEET), this research offers a compelling narrative on the future of surveillance technologies and their broader implications for sectors like energy, where security and stability are critical.
Setiawan’s study, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, delves into the effectiveness of Geoint in enhancing surveillance capabilities. By analyzing a comprehensive range of studies from Scopus and Google Scholar up to May 2024, the research highlights how Geoint enables rapid, precise monitoring and early threat prediction. “Geoint significantly enhances surveillance capabilities by facilitating the analysis of movement patterns of foreign nationals and identifying high-risk areas,” Setiawan explains. This technological leap not only increases operational efficiency but also sharpens the accuracy of targeting potential threats, a critical factor in maintaining national stability.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of national security. In the energy sector, where infrastructure and operations are often spread across vast and sometimes remote areas, the ability to monitor and predict threats is invaluable. Geospatial intelligence can provide real-time data on the movement of personnel and assets, helping to preempt security breaches and ensure the smooth operation of energy projects. “Integrating Geoint into surveillance systems represents a strategic advancement in digital security infrastructure,” Setiawan notes, underscoring the need for adaptive, data-driven frameworks that can respond dynamically to evolving threats.
The study’s findings suggest that future national security policies should consider institutionalizing Geoint as a core component of foreign surveillance strategies. This shift towards data-driven surveillance could set a new standard for security protocols, not just in Indonesia but globally. For policymakers and security practitioners, the message is clear: embracing digital transformation and leveraging geospatial intelligence is no longer optional but a necessity in the face of increasingly complex security challenges.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in surveillance technology, Setiawan’s research serves as a beacon, guiding us towards a future where security is proactive, precise, and powered by the latest advancements in digital transformation. The journey towards this future is just beginning, and the energy sector, among others, stands to benefit immensely from these innovations. The question now is not whether we can afford to integrate Geoint into our security frameworks, but whether we can afford not to.