November 18, 2025 | 03:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terror Squad (Densus 88) of the Indonesian National Police has revealed a case of recruiting children and students into a terrorism network. Spokesperson of Densus 88, Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, stated that five suspects have been arrested throughout this year.
"This year, Densus 88 has enforced the law against approximately five adults who attempted to recruit children and students related to terrorism networks," he said at the Indonesian National Police headquarters in South Jakarta on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The five suspects were arrested in three law enforcement operations conducted by Densus 88 from late December 2024 to November 17, 2025. The suspects are FW (also known as JT), LM, PP, MSVO, and JJS (also known as BS).
The suspects have been processed through the legal system. Meanwhile, to handle the children who have become victims, Densus 88 has collaborated with several relevant institutions. "Regarding the children or students whom we have identified as victims of recruitment, we cooperate with the Child Protection Commission (PPA), the Ministry of Social Affairs, and various stakeholders at both central and regional levels," said Mayndra.
Densus 88 has observed an unusual trend from year to year. From 2011 to 2017, according to Mayndra, there were around 17 children who became victims of recruitment into terrorism networks. However, this year, more than 110 children have been identified.
"We can conclude together that there is a very extensive process, recruitment conducted through online media," said Mayndra.
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