Indonesia and Brunei Strengthen Digital Resilience Against Extremism

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - As extremist propaganda increasingly shifts into the digital sphere, Indonesia and Brunei are stepping up collaboration to safeguard their societies -- particularly young people -- against online radicalization.

Head of Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Eddy Hartono, stressed that cross-border cooperation is vital since digital threats know no boundaries.

“Given the persistent and adaptive nature of terrorism, international information-sharing and cooperation are becoming more important,” he said in Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Although Indonesia has not experienced a terrorist attack since 2023, BNPT continues to monitor evolving risks. Preventive measures include early detection, countering terrorist financing, and protecting youth from extremist narratives in digital spaces.

Hartono noted that platforms such as social media, online gaming, and artificial intelligence technologies can be exploited to spread propaganda and influence vulnerable groups.

During a meeting in Bogor on August 27, BNPT and Brunei’s Research Department (BRD), led by Asmawee Muhammad, reaffirmed their commitment to joint vigilance.

Asmawee highlighted Brunei’s high internet penetration and the active online presence of its youth, warning that gaming platforms and AI-driven tools could be misused for recruitment and propaganda.

“This shows the importance of strengthening our ability to understand digital threats and reinforce preventive measures,” he said.

Both countries agreed to expand cooperation beyond information exchange, focusing on shared understanding of threat patterns, technological developments, and adaptive prevention strategies.

The partnership also aims to protect citizens abroad, particularly in regions with higher terrorism risks.

For Indonesia and Brunei, the collaboration underscores a broader principle: in an era where extremist propaganda can spread instantly across borders, international cooperation is essential to build digital resilience and ensure that the online space remains safe for youth engagement in learning, creativity, and social interaction. ***