Handling of Terrorist Groups: Evidence of Strong Consolidation and Synergy Among Joint Forces

By: Dhika Saputra

The arrest of three terrorist suspects that took place in early August 2024 marks an important moment that demonstrates the increased consolidation and synergy in the efforts to combat terrorism in Indonesia. This step is not just a technical success, but a symbol of the collaborative strength between security forces and intelligence that continues to be reinforced.
Behind this arrest, there is a larger narrative, namely how radicalism and terrorism continue to develop beneath the surface of our society, ready to explode at any moment if not addressed seriously.
This arrest sends a strong message to all elements of society that the threat of terrorism never truly disappears. Although Indonesia has been relatively free from major terrorist attacks in recent years, that does not mean that the ideology of violence has disappeared. On the contrary, this arrest shows that the process of radicalization is still ongoing, with the main targets being women and children.
It is undeniable that terrorism and radicalism have adapted to technological advancements. Radicalization through online platforms has become increasingly rampant, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social interactions shifted significantly to the virtual world. Children and teenagers who study online become easy targets for terrorists who use social media and instant messaging groups to spread extremist ideologies.
This phenomenon gives rise to a new threat, namely the “lone wolf” or individual terrorist who acts alone without clear organizational affiliation. They can plan terrorist actions at any time, without any prior signs, making prevention efforts increasingly difficult.
However, behind this challenge, there is great hope. Appreciation for the success of Densus 88 in capturing terrorist suspects from Malang to West Jakarta is evidence that the synergy between security agencies continues to be maintained and is growing stronger. This success also highlights the importance of intelligence in detecting threats before they develop into real actions that endanger the wider community.
The efforts made by the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) are also commendable. The head of BNPT, Commissioner General Rycko Amelza Dahniel, acknowledged that the consolidation of terrorist cells is becoming increasingly evident with the rising number of arrests and seizures of evidence.
This serves as an indicator that efforts at radicalization in society are not only ongoing but also experiencing an increase. Modern terrorism does not always manifest in the form of direct physical attacks, but rather more subtly, through the infiltration of ideologies and doctrines that target vulnerable individuals.
Vice President K.H. Ma’ruf Amin also expressed appreciation for the hard work of Densus 88 in thwarting acts of terrorism. The Vice President emphasized that prevention should be the main focus in combating terrorism in the country.
With effective prevention, terrorist actions can be stopped before they pose a threat to the lives and safety of the community. The Vice President also reminded that terrorism not only violates the laws of the state but also contradicts religious teachings, which explicitly prohibit all forms of violence and actions that disrupt peace.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain security during Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia from September 3-6, 2024, the BNPT is conducting Socialization and Pre-Audit of Minimum Security Standards at the Jakarta Cathedral. The Subdirector of Environmental Security at BNPT, Colonel Navy (H) Setyo Pranowo, S.H., M.M., stated that the activities carried out are not only related to the arrival of the Pope, but also because the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assumed into Heaven is part of public facilities that, based on BNPT Regulation Number 3 of 2020, is entitled to protection from the threat of terrorist acts.
In addition, the Indonesian National Police has also prepared 4,730 joint personnel to secure Pope Francis’s visit to Jakarta. Security operations will be conducted from September 2 to September 7, 2024. This operation is aimed at securing the visit of Pope Francis and the activities of the International Sustainability Forum (ISF), both of which will take place in Jakarta.

Although the arrest of terrorist suspects may provide a temporary sense of security, long-term prevention requires a more holistic approach, including deradicalization efforts and education for the community about the dangers of extremist ideologies.
The role of family and community in preventing radicalization cannot be overlooked. The family, as the smallest unit in society, plays an important role in supervising and guiding its members to prevent them from falling into radical ideologies.
Support from the community and religious leaders is also very important to create an environment free from the influence of extremism. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a firm fatwa rejecting all forms of terrorism, and this must continue to be socialized across various layers of society.
The success in capturing these terrorists is not the end of the struggle, but the first step in building a collective awareness that the threat of terrorism is still real. Inter-agency consolidation must continue to be strengthened, as well as synergy with the community in detecting and reporting potential threats. Indonesia has shown that with good cooperation, the threat of terrorism can be suppressed.
This terrorist arrest is a reminder that the success of counter-terrorism efforts does not only come from physical strength, but also from a solid synergy among institutions. The consolidation demonstrated by BNPT, Densus 88, and other intelligence agencies serves as clear evidence that good cooperation can prevent significant threats before they explode.
However, this effort should be seen as a beginning, not an end. The threat of radicalism continues to move beneath the surface, infiltrating the virtual world and permeating vulnerable groups in society. Success in capturing terrorists will only be sustained if we all, as a nation, remain vigilant and actively participate in the prevention of radicalization.
The appreciation given to law enforcement is not just praise, but also encouragement to continue maintaining and enhancing prevention efforts. Let’s work together to keep Indonesia safe and peaceful, free from the threat of terrorism.

Analysis of Gala Indomedia Institution