BNPT says counter-terrorism efforts must adapt to the digital space

The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has stated that current counter-terrorism efforts must be able to adapt to the dynamics of threats in the digital space. BNPT Chief Eddy Hartono emphasised that the development of digital technology has changed the patterns of radical ideology dissemination and terrorist activity in Indonesia. “The internet has now become the most effective medium utilised by terrorist networks and sympathisers to spread influence and carry out their activities,” said Eddy, as confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday. In 2024, BNPT found that the internet was an effective medium used by terrorist networks and sympathisers for recruitment, propaganda, terrorist financing, and even attack planning. Consequently, he conveyed that this change in threat patterns requires all parties, both the government and the public, to increase vigilance and digital literacy. “So the policy landscape for handling this has certainly changed from conventional to the digital space now,” he stated. To enhance public literacy so they can face the dynamics and security threats in the digital era intelligently and responsibly, BNPT participated in a Reading Culture Movement Seminar organised by the Secretariat General of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/5). At the seminar, titled Digital Security Literacy and Mental Resilience: Building Media Awareness, Game Supervision, and Family Protection in the Digital Era, the Deputy for Conference Affairs of the DPR RI Secretariat General, Suprihartini, stressed the importance of individual awareness in maintaining digital security. She argued that every internet user has a responsibility to create a healthy and safe digital space that does not become a means for spreading misleading information. “Digital security must start from our own personal awareness. Every person has a role as a guardian of their digital space, to verify information, maintain data confidentiality, not be easily provoked, and not become part of the spread of incorrect information,” Suprihartini revealed. Through this activity, BNPT invited the public to be wiser in using digital media, to increase supervision of children’s digital activities, and to strengthen family mental resilience amidst the heavy flow of information on the internet. The seminar was attended by 150 participants consisting of employees within the DPR RI and library communities.