BNPT Builds Youth Preparedness Against Digital-Era Terrorism

The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) held a ‘National Defence Camp’ in collaboration with Jaga Tunas Indonesia in Garut, West Java, from 8 to 10 July 2026, as an effort to build youth preparedness against the threat of terrorism in the digital era. Opening the event on Wednesday (8/7), BNPT Head Eddy Hartono stated that the activity was a response to the development of digital technology, which has changed the pattern of spreading radicalism and terrorism. ‘In the past, the recruitment process was carried out face-to-face and in secret, but now perpetrators use social media and even online games,’ Eddy said. He explained that students and university attendees are a group that needs strengthening in digital literacy, national insight, and critical thinking skills, as they are potential targets for the spread of radical ideas via the internet. ‘In this digital era, the targets of terrorist network recruitment are children and youth. So, we are building preparedness,’ he said. According to Eddy, the digital space has become an effective means for terrorist groups to carry out three main activities: propaganda, recruitment, and fundraising. He also reminded that the current recruitment process is often carried out covertly and in stages. Perpetrators typically build emotional closeness first through seemingly normal activities, such as playing games together or joining online communities. The camp, attended by 100 students from Garut Regency, provided training on national insight, national defence, digital literacy, social media security, and environmental awareness. Participants also took part in various social actions, such as free health checks, distribution of basic food supplies, and tree planting in watershed areas. Through this activity, BNPT aims to foster a generation of young people who are not only adept at using digital technology but also resilient against the spread of radicalism, intolerance, and violent extremism that can lead to terrorism.