BNPT Expands Prevention of Extremism in Schools and Online

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Counter‑Terrorism Agency (BNPT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), is strengthening efforts to mitigate the threat of violent extremism targeting students, including risks of exposure through social media and online games.

BNPT Head Eddy Hartono said that over the past two years, hundreds of children have been exposed to extremist content or influences in the digital space. Mitigation efforts are being carried out jointly with the National Police’s counter‑terrorism squad (Densus 88) and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi).

“Currently, there is a phenomenon involving risks to minors in the digital space. We have been implementing mitigation measures with Densus 88 and Komdigi. Over the last two years or so, hundreds of children have been exposed, whether through social media or online games,” Eddy said when confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday, September 12, as reported by Antara.

According to Eddy, the government is strengthening student resilience through education, digital literacy, character building, and equipping students to recognize and respond to risks in the digital space.

The collaboration with Kemendikdasmen forms part of the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism (RAN PE) 2026–2029, established through Presidential Regulation No. 8/2026.

In the education sector, BNPT and Kemendikdasmen aim to foster a safe, inclusive, and tolerant learning environment while strengthening students’ resistance to violent extremism.

Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti said preventing extremism requires a comprehensive approach involving schools, families, and the community. “At an institutional level, we have begun raising awareness regarding the significant influence of social media,” he said.

He emphasized that families play a crucial role in guiding children as they interact with digital information and content, while schools need to strengthen character education and student literacy.

This collaboration will be further developed through various programs under the RAN PE 2026–2029 framework, involving local administrations, educational institutions, families, and communities.

One of the planned initiatives is a joint declaration by the education ecosystem, involving school committees, educators, students, and relevant stakeholders.

BNPT hopes the declaration will not be merely ceremonial but will generate commitments and concrete actions to build an educational environment that is safe, tolerant, and resilient against violent extremism. ***