77 Children Under 13 Years Become Members Of The NII Terrorist Network

Head of Public Information of Police Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan/Photo: Police Public Relations

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Police (Polri) said that the terrorist group, the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) network in West Sumatra, also recruited minors as members. In fact, it was recorded that there were 77 children who had pledged allegiance to the group.

"We found 77 children under the age of 13 who were brainwashed and pledged allegiance to the NII," said Head of Public Information, Police Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan, to reporters on Monday, April 11.

In addition, based on the data, there are also 126 NII members who were recruited since childhood. Where, they are now adults.

Due to the presence of children in this network, the National Police, especially the Anti-terror Detachment 88, will cooperate with KPAI in handling it. For example, about the deradicalization of children.

"In this regard, we have coordinated with KPAI to develop the NII network," said Ramadhan.

Previously, Detachment 88 Anti-terror arrested 16 terrorist suspects of the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) network in West Sumatra. They actively recruit new members by involving minors.

"Massive recruitment of members in the West Sumatra region by involving minors," Head of the Operations Section of Densus 88 Anti-terror Grand Commissioner Aswin Siregar.

In addition, they are also active in conducting i'dad activities or military-style exercises on a regular basis. They are also said to be connected to several terrorist groups.

"Connected with terror groups in Jakarta, West Java, and Bali," said Aswin.