November 19, 2025 | 10:29 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Special Detachment 88 Antiterrorism Unit of the Indonesian National Police, known as Densus 88, has arrested five suspected recruiters who targeted children and students to join the terrorism network. One of them is a long-time player affiliated with ISIS.
"So, the long-time player who was initially captured by Densus 88, is known to have connections with ISIS or Ansharut Daulah," said Densus 88 spokesperson, Police Grand Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, during a press conference at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Mayndra stated that the suspect had previously undergone legal proceedings. After being released, he attempted to recruit children to join the terrorism network. "After being released, he tried to recruit several children," he said.
The five suspects arrested for recruiting children into the terrorism network are FW alias JT, LM, PP, MSPO, and JJS alias BS. All of them were the results of three law enforcement operations conducted by Densus 88 from late December 2024 to Monday, November 17, 2025.
The Head of Public Information Bureau of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, Police Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that the children suspected of being recruited into the terrorism network are scattered across 23 provinces. The perpetrators utilized digital spaces, including social media and online games. "To date, Densus 88 Antiterrorism Unit has recorded approximately 110 children aged between 10 and 18 years old," he said.
They initially circulated propaganda through open platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and online games. After identifying potential targets, the perpetrators contacted them personally through closed platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram.
"The perpetrators disseminated propaganda through short videos, animations, memes, and music to emotionally connect with and trigger ideological interest," he added.
He further mentioned that police assessments indicate that children are vulnerable to being lured into terrorist groups due to various social factors, such as bullying, broken family conditions, and lack of family attention. Other contributing factors include the phase of self-identity search, social marginalization, low digital literacy, and poor religious understanding.
Editor's Choice: Densus 88 Uncovers Over 110 Children Recruited by Terrorist Network
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