Indonesia arrests 11 over suspected terrorist links

Indonesian authorities have arrested 11 individuals suspected of links to terrorist networks in a series of operations conducted across six provinces since October 2. The suspects, aged between 22 and 52, were apprehended in West Java, Central Java, Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Riau, and North Maluku.

The Indonesian National Police’s counterterrorism force, Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88), stated that the arrested individuals are believed to be affiliated with Daulah Islamiyah and other terrorist networks. Investigations revealed purported links between the suspects, despite their operations spanning different regions. Their alleged roles included network consolidation, propaganda dissemination, direct and online recruitment, and planning of terrorist acts.

Authorities noted that one uncovered scheme involved online meetings connecting supporters of Daulah Islamiyah from several regions. There were also indications that some suspects had undergone physical and shooting training related to terrorism militancy. These law enforcement measures are aimed at disrupting propaganda, recruitment, indoctrination, and training activities that could lead to violence.

Separately, Indonesia's National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has sought stronger cooperation with Australia to combat online radicalization and terrorism financing. Concerns were raised about the spread of extremist narratives online targeting youth and the use of virtual assets and financial technology for terrorism funding. Australia highlighted its multi-pronged approach, including eliminating terrorism content, echoing counternarratives, and building media literacy, while also noting emerging risks from virtual currencies and generative AI in spreading propaganda.