Tackling Digital Radicalisation Requires Cross-Sector Collaboration, Says Ministry
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has stated that tackling radicalisation in the digital space requires cross-sector collaboration involving ministries, agencies, digital platforms, the media, and the public.
“We cannot view this as an effort by just one party, not only by the BNPT (National Counter-Terrorism Agency), but all parties must be involved,” said Alexander Sabar, Director General of Digital Space Supervision at Kemkomdigi, in Jakarta on Wednesday.
According to him, the borderless nature of the digital space means that supervision and handling of the spread of radical ideologies must be carried out by combining technological aspects, enforcement procedures, and regulation.
Beyond rule enforcement, strengthening public resilience against exposure to content containing radical elements is also considered important.
Alexander revealed data from the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) showing that 112 children have been exposed to radical ideologies through online games.
He said that children exposed to radicalism utilise games and communities on online platforms to discuss matters related to criminal acts, terrorism, and violence.
“In fact, in one of the games on Roblox, they created a simulation of an attack on a police station, then they discussed in a closed group, ‘How many police did you kill?’, ‘What weapon did you use?’,” he said.
Alexander explained that Kemkomdigi conducts proactive cyber patrols and opens complaint channels for the public and other agencies to detect content containing radicalism.
He explained that every report received goes through a verification process. If proven to be used for activities that violate regulations, Kemkomdigi will take action against the content by taking it down or blocking the site or IP address.
“So it is not just from us, but again this requires collaborative work together, proactive efforts from us, but also from incoming reports, both from the public and from other agencies,” he said.