National Security

Brunei Darussalam’s internal security is covered by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) who maintains law and order in the country. Some of their roles include collection of criminal intelligence, traffic control, escort duties (VIPs, cash, prisoners), prevention, detection and investigation of crime, sea and border patrol, maintenance of public order, as well as riot and public event control. In curbing criminal activities, the RBPF engages with communities in all districts through its neighbourhood watch programme.

The Brunei Internal Security Department (BISD) was established in 1993 to monitor any potential security issues that may arise and report them to the government. Internal security issues monitored by BISD include subversion, espionage, sabotage, terrorism and promotion of racial and religious violence. The BISD works closely with the RBPF to ensure the nation’s security.

The Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy and the Royal Brunei Air Force are under the umbrella institution of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). The RBAF primarily protects Brunei from any foreign threat that may challenge the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di- Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam as the Supreme Commander. RBAF also deals with counterterrorism operations and aids the maintenance of internal security, repressing potential or actual insurgencies within the state. The men and women who serve under the RBAF to protect the country are annually honoured in the Sultanate on May 31.

Other institutions involved in the country’s national security include the Narcotics Control Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office, Royal Customs and Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Immigration and National Registration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Anti-Corruption Bureau under the Prime Minister’s Office.