No Letup in Terrorists' Recruitment Drive in Indonesia amid Coronavirus Pandemic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Terrorists have not stopped recruiting new members in Indonesia despite the coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) on June 23.

Newly-inaugurated Chief of BNPT Boy Rafli Amar shared valuable insights on terrorism activities during a meeting in Jakarta.

“Radical groups remain active by recruiting using propaganda. This is done both online and offline throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” said Boy.

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BNPT has coordinated with relevant law enforcement authorities to respond to these findings.

Boy said that around 84 individuals are under surveillance due to their connections with terrorist networks.

These suspects had plans to launch a terrorist attack but were successfully thwarted as confirmed by Boy.

“Our findings from January to June show about 84 suspects with connections to terrorist activities. They are also being monitored and investigated by law enforcement officials,” said Boy.

Part of BNPT’s initiative is to combat radical ideologies spreading online in line with a rising trend in online connectivity in Indonesia.

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