BNPT: Digital Technology Creates New Patterns in the Spread of Violent Ideologies

Bandarlampung (ANTARA) — The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has said advances in digital technology have created new patterns in the spread of violent ideologies, requiring stronger prevention efforts and public literacy.

“Our research shows that the internet is quite an effective medium for three things: propaganda, recruitment and the spread of terrorism targeting young people,” BNPT head Eddy Hartono said in Bandarlampung on Wednesday.

He said the phenomenon was linked to Salafi-jihadist ideology and high-tech violent extremism, both of which promote violence.

“To anticipate this threat, the government has drawn up a National Action Plan for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism, through Presidential Regulation No. 8 of 2026,” he said.

Eddy said the BNPT was also coordinating with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) and electronic service providers to strengthen child protection against harmful online content.

Prevention efforts also involve coordination across agencies, including the BNPT, the National Police, intelligence bodies and the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN), he said.

Eddy also praised Ageman, a film initiated by the Lampung Terrorism Prevention Coordination Forum (FKPT), as a means of educating the public and promoting awareness of diversity.

The film is expected to reach educational institutions, from junior and senior high schools to universities, he said.

Meanwhile, the regional government is strengthening prevention among young people through outreach, literacy education and efforts to promote national awareness, particularly among senior high school students.

Mirza said the national education programme would be carried out in collaboration with the regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda) and all levels of regional government.

“Yes, exactly. We will work together with the entire Forkopimda and all levels of the government,” he said.

He said the programme would begin soon, with Forkopimda members teaching students directly in schools.

“God willing, it will be soon. I have tasked all Forkopimda members with helping to teach at senior high schools,” he said.