JAKARTA - Indonesian authorities have blocked 180,954 pieces of online content linked to intolerance, radicalism, extremism and terrorism this year, according to the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT).
The content, originated from groups such as Daesh, Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, and Jamaah Ansharut Daulah, was disseminated via digital platforms to spread their ideologies, said BNPT head Police Commissioner General Eddy Hartono in a statement Tuesday.
"Prevention is key to tackling terrorism,” he said, stressing the importance of collaborative approach involving various ministries and agencies to keep Indonesia free from terrorist threats.
The agency has also conducted widespread public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of radicalism and foster interfaith harmony.
Meanwhile, BNPT’s Indonesia Knowledge Hub on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism (I-KHub) revealed that terrorist networks frequently use digital platforms to recruit members, spread extremist beliefs, and plan violent acts.
The I-KHub’s Counter Terrorism and Violent Extremism Outlook 2024 released this month highlighted the growing threat of violence-based extremism spreading through digital platforms.
The report highlighted how videos and content such as youtube @fulancool, TikTok @abuxxxxx as well as Telegram Visi Akhir Zaman and Markaz Aqiqah promote extremist ideologies.
These channels have garnered significant engagement, with high numbers of views, likes, shares and comments, amplifying the reach of their harmful messages.
I-KHub also stated in the report that Indonesia has reported no terrorist attacks over the two-year period from January 2023 to October 2024, thanks to the effectiveness of law enforcement through a preventive strike approach.
However, the report said terrorism remains a national security threat, as evidenced by the arrest of 147 terrorist suspects in 2023 and 39 terrorist suspects by October 2024. - BERNAMA