November 19, 2025 | 11:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police's Special Detachment 88 Anti-Terror Group (Densus 88) has revealed that terrorist networks have been recruiting children in 23 provinces. At least around 110 children have been identified as recruited from these 23 provinces, with the highest numbers in West Java and Jakarta.
The spokesperson for Densus 88, Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, stated in a press conference at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, "The provinces with the highest exposure of children to this ideology are West Java and Jakarta. That's the data we have as of today." However, he did not specify the exact number of recruited children in West Java and Jakarta, and in other provinces.
Although only 23 provinces have been identified so far, Mayndra mentioned that it doesn't mean that other provinces are safe, as the police are still conducting investigations. "So, if there are additional data in the coming days, it reflects the progress of our investigation," he said.
The head of the Public Information Bureau of the Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that the 110 children allegedly recruited by the terrorism network are aged between 10 and 18. These children were recruited by suspects through online platforms, including social media and online games.
In the case of recruiting children into terrorist networks, Densus 88 has observed an unusual trend over the years. According to Mayndra, from 2011 to 2017, there were about 17 children recruited into terrorist networks. However, this year, more than 110 children have been identified.
"We can conclude together that there has been a massive recruitment process through online media," Mayndra said.
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