Indonesia and Australia Strengthen Cooperation to Counter Online Radicalisation
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Government of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and the Government of Australia are strengthening cooperation in countering online radicalisation and terrorism financing, during a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/4).
The Chief Secretary of Indonesia’s National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Bangbang Surono, stated that Indonesia and Australia share common concerns over several key issues, namely the rise in online radicalisation, particularly among children and adolescents, as well as the utilisation of digital technology and online platforms for propaganda and recruitment.
“Likewise, the increasing risk of terrorism financing, including through virtual assets and financial technology, as well as challenges in the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals associated with terrorism,” said Bangbang in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Sunday.
He emphasised that the terrorism threat in Indonesia remains persistent and adaptive, with terrorist group activities continuing, particularly in the form of propaganda, recruitment, and financing through digital platforms.
BNPT also highlighted the increasingly intensive use of digital spaces as a means for propaganda, communication, coordination, and recruitment.
According to him, the phenomenon of child exploitation in digital spaces has become a primary concern, given that initial exposure to extremist ideologies now increasingly occurs through the internet.
PP Tunas was issued on 28 March 2026, restricting access for children under 16 years old to high-risk social media platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X (Twitter).
Bangbang also directly expressed deep sympathy to the Australian government and people over the terrorism incident that occurred at Bondi Beach last December.
“Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to stand together with Australia in facing persistent and adaptive terrorism threats,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism, Gemma Huggins, stated that Australia views the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Dialogue as an opportune moment for deeper discussions on online radicalisation and youth radicalisation.
“Australia’s approach through Home Affairs encompasses three main pillars: the removal of terrorism content, counter-narratives, and media literacy. These three pillars are part of a comprehensive multi-pronged approach,” revealed Gemma.
Regarding the aspect of terrorism financing, she said, Australia specifically highlights developments in the use of virtual currencies and recommends discussions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
She recommended discussions on the use of AI in propaganda, including the threat of deepfakes that can accelerate radicalisation in a much shorter timeframe.
This meeting is expected to further strengthen the synergy between the two countries in maintaining regional security stability and protecting societies from terrorism threats.
Indonesia acknowledges Australia as a highly significant partner in counter-terrorism. Cooperation between the two countries is expected to be continuously strengthened through concrete, adaptive, and sustainable collaboration.