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Abstract

Through this study, the authors question how the prospects for ASEAN regionalisation relate to the development of blockchain technology as a cybersecurity medium. Based on previous research, ASEAN is facing a problem of terrorism, which is difficult to handle over time. The finding further exacerbates the fact that transnational terrorist groups have begun to use virtual currency as one of their strategies for funding organisations. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia, according to results of several surveys, includes areas with high numbers of cryptocurrency users, making it a target for blockchain technology companies to establish main offices. Within the framework of ASEAN regionalism, the author argues that ASEAN blockchain technology can be used to address terrorist financing through cryptocurrencies, but is hindered by the principle of non-interference. Prioritising each other's sovereignty has left ASEAN unprepared to face the cryptocurrency fever, as each member country has different views and interests regarding virtual currencies. This can be seen in the non-uniformity of regulations across ASEAN member countries, and there are no specific,  binding rules from the regional organisation regarding the use of cryptocurrencies. As a result, the use of blockchain technology by ASEAN member countries is adjusted to their national interests. Then there is no initiative from ASEAN members to bring this issue into the regional realm; in fact, what is driving it is the private sector and blockchain users in Southeast Asia.

Bahasa Abstract

elalui penelitian ini, penulis mempertanyakan bagaimana prospek regionalisasi yang dilakukan ASEAN terkait pengembangan blokchain technology sebagai media cybersecurity. Berdasarkan penelitian sebelumnya, ASEAN menghadapi sebuah permasalahan terorisme yang seiring waktu semakin sulit ditangani. Hal ini kemudian diperparah dengan temuan bahwa kelompok terorisme transnasional mulai menggunakan mata uang virtual sebagai salah satu strategi mereka tentang pendanaan organisasi. Di sisi lain, berdasarkan beberapa hasil survey, Asia Tenggara adalah kawasan dengan pengguna cryptocurrency yang tinggi sehingga menjadi sasaran perusahaan blockchain technology untuk mendirikan kantor utama. Melalui kerangka pemikiran regionalisme ASEAN, penulis berpendapat bahwa blockchain technology bisa dimanfaatkan ASEAN dalam menghadapi terorist financing melalui cryptocurrency namun terhalangi prinsip non-interfence. Karena karena setiap negara anggota memiliki pandangan dan kepentingan berbeda tentang mata uang virtual, ASEAN menjadi tidak siap menghadapi demam cryptocurrency. Ini terlihat dari ketidakseragaman regulasi negara-negara anggota ASEAN serta tidak ada aturan khusus yang mengikat dari organisasi regional tersebut mengenai penggunaan cryptocurrency. Akibatnya penggunaan blockchain technology oleh negara anggota ASEAN disesuaikan dengan kepentingan nasional masing-masing anggota. Hal ini diperburuk dengan tidak adanya inisiatif dari negara anggota ASEAN untuk membawa isu ini ke ranah regional,  justru yang mendorong adalah sektor privat serta pengguna blockchain di Asia Tenggara.

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