Indonesia's Counterterrorism Agency Flags Radicalisation Risks For Women, Teens And Children

JAKARTA, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has issued a warning regarding the susceptibility of women, adolescents, and children to systematic radicalisation, particularly through the exploitation of religious symbols and attire.

The warning matches findings from Setara Institute, an Indonesia-based NGO focusing on democracy, political freedom, and human rights, in 2023, showing a worrying increase in intolerance and exposure among high school students.

BNPT’s chief, Commissioner General Prof. H Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel, stressed the pivotal role of women in family development, highlighting children and adolescents as key drivers of the nation’s future, including economic growth.

"It is unimaginable if these vulnerable groups are exposed to radical terrorist ideologies in large numbers, even resorting to acts of terrorism," he stated at the National Working Meeting here.

Mohammed Rycko also expressed concern over the potential consequences of widespread exposure to radical terrorist ideologies, citing incidents like the 2018 Surabaya bombings.

In response, the agency is prioritising its Protection Programme for Women, Adolescents, and Children in 2024, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding these vulnerable groups, he added.

-- BERNAMA