Indonesia's KPAI warns of gadgets as gateway for child extremism

Indonesia's Child Protection Commission (KPAI) is calling on parents to tighten supervision over their children's gadget usage. This measure is deemed crucial as radicalism and extremism increasingly leverage digital spaces and social media to target underage individuals.

Aris Adi Leksono, Chairman of KPAI, warned that gadgets can serve as the main gateway for the infiltration of radical doctrines. He noted that a significant number of children exposed to extremist ideologies or activities begin their involvement through their devices. "Therefore, parents need to pay attention to what their children are accessing," Aris stated.

Collaboration between ministries and agencies has led to the rehabilitation of approximately 250 children exposed to extremism between late 2024 and 2025, according to the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT). BNPT Head Eddy Hartono highlighted that terrorism threats have evolved, with the internet now being used for recruitment, counter-propaganda, and funding, specifically targeting women, children, and teenagers.

KPAI emphasizes that parental monitoring of gadgets is vital for early detection of risky content or chat groups that could alter a child's mindset and behavior towards extremism. Beyond digital content, parents should also be sensitive to behavioral changes in their children, such as increased withdrawal, isolation, or reluctance to share with family, which can indicate psychological issues or exposure.

Leksono advised that children lacking attention and warm dialogue at home are at risk of seeking validation elsewhere, potentially leading them to join digital communities affiliated with extremist networks. KPAI encourages open, two-way communication, emotional support, and active parental involvement in children's development, especially in the digital era, to build a strong family defense against radical exploitation.