Book 'Atas Nama Surga' Examines Digital Propaganda and Radicalisation Algorithms
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi), Alexander Sabar, has launched a book titled “In the Name of Heaven: Radicalisation Algorithms and the Manipulation of Consciousness”, which examines the spread of propaganda by terrorist groups in the digital sphere.
“In this book, we attempt to explain the phenomenon of terrorism propaganda that uses information technology as its vehicle,” Alexander said at the launch event for “In the Name of Heaven: Radicalisation Algorithms and the Manipulation of Consciousness” in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Alexander explained that the idea for the book originated from his day-to-day work, which intersects with counter-terrorism efforts and the monitoring of activity in the digital space.
“This stems from our daily work during our assignments with the Indonesian National Police Anti-Terrorism Task Force, as well as with the National Police Special Detachment 88 Counter-Terrorism Unit, at the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), and now as we serve at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs,” he said.
The book argues that through mass narratives and digital media algorithms, terrorism seeks to construct a false reality (hyperreality) that is deemed more credible by the public.
When the boundary between information and propaganda becomes increasingly blurred, internet users risk becoming targets for the spread of terrorist group ideology.
The 164-page book is based on Alexander’s doctoral dissertation, completed during his postgraduate studies at the University of Indonesia (UI).
The work draws on the thinking of French sociologist Jean Baudrillard and his theory of simulacra, which explains how artificial imagery replaces genuine reality.
Alexander hopes the book will broaden public understanding of terrorism propaganda in the digital space.
“We sincerely hope that this book will eventually be of benefit, adding to the knowledge of all Indonesians regarding the phenomenon of terrorism propaganda that is currently rampant in our digital sphere,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid expressed her appreciation for the launch of “In the Name of Heaven: Radicalisation Algorithms and the Manipulation of Consciousness”.
According to her, the book illustrates how narrative power in the digital era can develop from small lies into the destruction of humanitarian values.
“Everything begins with something sweet, an illusion. That is the challenge when narrative power — as reflected in the title ‘In the Name of Heaven: Radicalisation Algorithms and the Manipulation of Consciousness’ — combines with the power of algorithms in today’s digital era,” Meutya said.