BNPT: Terrorism Activities Now Massive in Digital Space
JAKARTA - The Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Eddy Hartono, has revealed that activities by terrorist networks are now increasingly conducted on a massive scale through the digital space, from recruitment to funding.
“There are three things done by terrorist networks, even sympathisers of terrorist networks. Those three things. First, recruitment; second, propaganda; third, terrorist funding. Now, this is being done massively through the digital space,” said Eddy when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday (4/5/2026).
He explained that technological advancements have made the spread of radical ideologies faster and wider, including targeting vulnerable groups such as children via social media and online games.
“That’s why we collaborated with the Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs recently, so that from the beginning of last year, we could prevent radicalisation of children through algorithms, both on social media and online games,” said Eddy.
Eddy added that strengthening prevention efforts is also being carried out through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 8 of 2026 on the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism (RAN PE) for the period 2026-2029.
In that regulation, prevention covers three main aspects: national preparedness, counter-radicalisation, and deradicalisation.
“Additionally, it is now included in the RPJMN, the Medium-Term Development Plan 2025-2029, where we have four priority activities,” revealed Eddy.
“The first activity is synergy in defence and security to carry out prevention. So, the RAN PE is connected and included in the law, and then in the RPJMN,” he added.
Besides that, Eddy mentioned that there have been 28 planned terrorist attacks prevented by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the last three years.
He claimed that this success is inseparable from regulatory changes that allow action from the planning stage.
“Why? Preparatory acts are already included in criminal law norms. In Law No. 5, the anti-terrorism law, preparatory acts are already included in criminal law norms,” said Eddy.
Eddy emphasised that countering terrorism requires cross-sector collaboration, including with law enforcement agencies such as the National Police’s Densus 88 Anti-Terror Unit.
“The President emphasises synergy and collaboration. So, insha’Allah, with synergy and collaboration, all obstacles and challenges can be overcome,” he said.