Indonesian ministry develops strategy to counter student radicalism online

Indonesia's Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) is crafting a targeted educational strategy to shield approximately 112 students in 26 provinces from radical ideologies spread through social media and online games. This proactive measure comes in response to the escalating threat of digital radicalism affecting young Indonesians.

Titi Eko Rahayu, Deputy for Special Child Protection at KPPPA, emphasized that protecting children in the digital realm requires a comprehensive approach. "We are redeveloping educational materials that children can more easily accept to recognize radical content," she stated in Jakarta. This effort is crucial given that data from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) indicates 112 students, averaging 13 years old, have been exposed to radicalism via online platforms.

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We are redeveloping educational materials that children can more easily accept to recognize radical content.

The ministry notes that radical content often exploits emotional appeals, thrives in closed digital communities, and is amplified by social media algorithms. "The use of social media, video platforms, online games, and chat applications makes children vulnerable to hate speech and calls for violence," Rahayu added. KPPPA regularly conducts outreach through socialization, advocacy, and early detection training for parents, teachers, and children.

To combat this pervasive threat, the ministry aims to disseminate information more broadly, recognizing that children today are deeply immersed in digital spaces. The educational content is being developed with the assistance of AI to ensure it is engaging and effective for the target age group.

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The use of social media, video platforms, online games, and chat applications makes children vulnerable to hate speech and calls for violence.