Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Indonesian National Police (INP)’s counterterrorism unit, Densus 88, has arrested five suspects accused of recruiting children into extremist networks, with one linked to ISIS, officials announced on Tuesday (18/11/2025). 

The arrests were made across multiple provinces between late December 2024 and 17 November 2025.

“There are five suspects arrested by Densus 88 through three law-enforcement operations,” said Densus 88 spokesperson Superintendent Mayndra Eka Wardhana during a press briefing at the INP’s Criminal Investigation Agency, as reported by antaranews.com.

The suspects, aged 18 to 37 and identified as FW alias YT, LM, PP alias BBMS, MSPO, and JJS alias BS, allegedly targeted minors online through social media, game platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and closed websites. Police said one “long-time player” previously convicted for terrorism had resumed activities after release and helped lead the recruitment chain.

Authorities revealed that 110 children across 23 provinces are believed to have been exposed to radicalization efforts. Police stressed that the online propaganda used includes short videos, memes, animations, and gamified interactions designed to lure vulnerable youths.

Officials said the arrests prevented potential attacks, including an attempted plot targeting the House of Representatives (DPR) complex.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)