Trilateral Counterterrorism Cooperation in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines as a Model of Inclusive Governance for Regional Security

Abstract

Since its establishment in 2017, the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA), commonly  known as Indomalphi, has marked a significant milestone in the collective effort of Indonesia,  Malaysia, and the Philippines to address terrorism and transnational crime in the Sulu-Sulawesi  Seas. This maritime zone remains one of Southeast Asia’s most volatile areas, frequently  exploited by transnational armed groups such as Abu Sayyaf and ISIS-affiliated networks for  kidnappings, arms smuggling, and illicit recruitment. While initially centered on coordinated  maritime patrols and intelligence sharing, Indomalphi has gradually evolved into a platform embodying inclusive governance in regionalsecurity: combining military coordination, maritime  diplomacy, intelligence cooperation, and civil society participation through deradicalization  programs and local capacity building. Employing a qualitative approach through literature  review and policy analysis, this study evaluates the extent to which Indomalphi can be  considered a model of inclusive governance in promoting good governance on peace and  security. Findings indicate that the initiative has enhanced transparency and accountability  among its member states, reduced bilateral security rivalries, and strengthened the legitimacy of counterterrorism policiesthrough multi-actor engagement. Nevertheless, challenges remain,  including limited resources, uneven military capabilities, and reliance on shifting domestic  political commitments.Ultimately, Indomalphi serves not only as a short-term security  response but also as a regional diplomatic laboratory to test the effectiveness of inclusive  security governance in conflict-prone maritime zones. The study concludes that Indomalphi’s relative success provides an important precedent for other Global South states in designing inclusive security cooperation frameworks that align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable  Development.