Internet Channel Propaganda Terrorist, BNPT Hopes Technology Company Involved In Prevention

Residents passed near the banner against terrorists in the area of Jl Malioboro, Yogyakarta, May 2018. (ANTARA-Andreas Fitri A)

JAKARTA - Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Commissioner General (Komjen) of Police Boy Rafli Amar said extremism groups that lead to acts of terrorism often misuse the internet to commit propaganda.

This was conveyed by Boy at the Aqaba Process Meeting On South East Asia forum which was attended by delegates from 16 countries. The event was held in Bali from 22-23 November 2022.

"In addition to abusing the internet for propaganda, they are trying to attract terrorism financing that targets the younger generation," he said in a written statement, Friday, November 25, quoted from Antara.

He said that extremism groups carry out recruitment and planning to financing criminal acts of terrorism that target young people and even encourage the involvement of women to carry out acts of terror.

According to him, there needs to be a joint commitment between the government, organizations, international entities, and technology companies in facing these challenges.

"It is very important to use a multidisciplinary approach by strengthening partnerships in overcoming it," he said.

The cooperation, he continued, is not only between countries but also with various international organizations.

The former Papuan Police Chief said that his efforts could also involve technology companies to overcome the challenges of internet exploitation by terrorist groups and violent extremists.

The Aqaba forum is not only attended by friendly countries but also technology companies such as Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, YouTube to Google.

During the meeting, all countries present agreed on the importance of the role of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT) and Christchurch Call to Action, which included the best exchange of information, research, and practice of preventing radicalization through the internet, especially in the Southeast Asia region.

Aqaba Process is an initiative made by King Abdullah II of the Kingdom of Jordan in 2015 to bring together representatives of government officials, technology practitioners, and civil society.

Aqaba Process' goal is to improve coordination at the global level, exchange information, expertise in counter-terrorism efforts, and "online" and "offline" extremism using a holistic approach.