Indonesia, Australia Deepen Cooperation Against Online Radicalization

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Australia are strengthening their partnership to counter online radicalization and terrorism financing, underscoring shared concerns over the growing exploitation of digital platforms for propaganda and recruitment.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Antara reported.

Chief Secretary of the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Bangbang Surono, said both countries are focused on rising online radicalization among children and youth, as well as the misuse of financial technology and virtual assets to fund terrorism.

He noted that extremist groups remain persistent and adaptive, with propaganda, recruitment, and financing increasingly conducted through digital channels.

Indonesia has responded with new regulations, including PP Tunas, which was issued on March 28, 2026, which restricts access for children under 16 to high-risk social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X.

Bangbang also conveyed condolences to Australia over the December 2025 Bondi Beach terror incident, stressing Indonesia’s commitment to stand alongside Australia against evolving threats.

Australian Ambassador for Counterterrorism Gemma Huggins highlighted the importance of the countering violent extremism (CVE) dialogue, describing it as a timely platform to address youth radicalization and online extremism.

She outlined Australia’s three-pillar approach through Home Affairs: removing terrorist content, promoting counter-narratives, and advancing media literacy.

On terror financing, Huggins pointed to the growing use of virtual currencies and recommended discussions on artificial intelligence, including the risks posed by deepfake technology in accelerating radicalization.

Both governments expressed hope that the dialogue will reinforce cooperation in safeguarding regional security and protecting communities. Indonesia acknowledged Australia as a key partner in counterterrorism, with collaboration expected to remain concrete, adaptive, and sustainable. ***