Densus 88 Rakernis Opens as Kapolri Urges Anticipation of Cyber Threats

The Rakernis was held from 18 to 20 May 2026. This year’s Rakernis saw Densus 88 AT Polri adopt the theme of a precision collaborative strategy in tackling violent extremism and terrorism to maintain national public order and security. ‘Densus 88 AT Polri must continue to strengthen technological and human intelligence capabilities to anticipate the transformation of threats moving rapidly in cyberspace,’ said Kombes Mayndra Eka Wardhana, the spokesperson for Densus 88 AT Polri, conveying the instructions of the Chief of Police on Tuesday 19 May 2026. General Sigit highlighted that extremist groups are now using AI to carry out automated radicalisation. He also noted a phenomenon of violence being propagated via online gaming platforms or gamification and the spread of a ‘salad-bar ideology’ that is difficult to detect by conventional means. Separately, General Sigit praised Densus 88 AT Polri for maintaining a ‘zero terrorist attacks’ status for almost three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. He said the achievement directly supports national stability and the investment climate in Indonesia. However, he cautioned Densus not to become complacent as threats shift to cyberspace. ‘That achievement certainly supports national stability, enhances public confidence in the Polri, and positively impacts the investment climate and national as well as international strategic agendas,’ Mayndra said. Mayndra disclosed that by mid-2026, 132 children had been exposed to radicalism across several provinces, while a further 115 had been exposed to violent ideologies. ‘And they have been intervened by Densus 88 together with regional police (Polda) and local governments along with related stakeholders,’ Mayndra said. He noted that social media and digital communities, such as True Crime Community (TCC), have become entry points for recruitment and the dissemination of violent ideologies. ‘The phenomenon of extremism has evolved from conventional ideological patterns to new forms. Social media, digital platforms, and even online games are now used as channels for recruitment, grooming, and the spread of violence,’ Mayndra explained. At the opening of Rakernis, General Sigit also reviewed the Milestone Wall that displays a long history of counter-terrorism in Indonesia, from the DI/TII era, the Bali bombs, to the handling of Jemaah Islamiyah. As a form of appreciation for international collaboration and civil society, the Police Chief also presented awards to 12 figures and partners from friendly countries, academics, and psychologists who were deemed to have made significant contributions to terrorism prevention in the country.