The elite counterterrorism unit Densus 88 revealed on Tuesday that the cell had targeted 110 minors aged between 10 and 18 across 23 provinces this year alone – a figure authorities described as a “massive” spike compared with previous decades.
“In the years 2011 to 2017, we secured about 17 children … but in 2025 alone, more than 110 have been identified,” Densus 88 spokesman Mayndra Eka Wardhana said, as quoted by local outlet Detik. “This allows us to conclude there is a massive recruitment process occurring via online media.”
According to investigators, the recruiters abandoned the traditional face-to-face “halaqah” (study circle) method in favour of a digital funnel. They infiltrated popular online gaming platforms and social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, initially sharing “utopian visions” and fantasy-themed content to build rapport with children.
