Book 'Atas Nama Surga' Examines Digital Propaganda and Radicalisation Algorithms

Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Alexander Sabar, has launched a book titled ‘Atas Nama Surga: Algoritma Radikalisasi Hingga Manipulasi Kesadaran’ (In the Name of Heaven: The Algorithm of Radicalisation to the Manipulation of Consciousness), which discusses the spread of terrorist group propaganda in the digital realm. “In this book, we attempt to explain the phenomenon of terrorism propaganda that utilises information technology tools,” Alexander said at the book launch in Jakarta on Wednesday. Alexander explained that the idea for the book originated from his daily work, which intersects with aspects of counter-terrorism and the supervision of activities in the digital space. “This began from our daily work during our assignments at the Police Anti-Terror Task Force, the Police Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terror, BNPT, and currently our service at the Ministry of Communication and Digital,” he said. The book argues that through massive narratives and digital media algorithms, terrorism seeks to build a hyperreality that is perceived as more believable by the public. When the boundary between information and propaganda becomes increasingly blurred, internet users risk becoming targets for the spread of ideology by terrorist groups. The 164-page book is Alexander’s dissertation from his doctoral studies at the University of Indonesia. The work draws on the thinking of French sociologist Jean Baudrillard through the theory of simulacra, which explains how artificial images replace original reality. Alexander expressed hope that the book would broaden public insight into terrorism propaganda in the digital space. “We sincerely hope that this book can provide benefits and broaden the insights of all Indonesian people regarding the phenomenon of terrorism propaganda that is rampant in our digital space today,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid expressed her appreciation for the launch of the book. According to her, the book illustrates how the power of narrative in the digital era can evolve from small lies to the destruction of human values. “It all starts from something sweet, an illusion. And that is the challenge when the power of narrative, as the title suggests ‘Atas Nama Surga: Algoritma Radikalisasi Hingga Manipulasi Kesadaran’, combines with the power of algorithms in this digital era,” Meutya said.