Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Rycko Amelza Dahniel, has stated that the number of terror attacks in Indonesia is on a decline.

Rycko mentioned that the preventive measures and countermeasures against violence-based terrorism have shown a positive trend, as evidenced by the decrease in terror attacks in Indonesia over the years.

According to the I-KHub BNPT Counter Terrorism and Violent Extremism Outlook platform, Indonesia recorded a total of 49 terror attacks between 2018 and 2022.

In 2018, there were 19 recorded attacks, which decreased to eleven in both 2019 and 2020. The number further dropped to six in 2021 and two in 2022.

Changes in terrorism form

However, despite the declining trend, the head of BNPT emphasized that it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Therefore, he urged all parties to remain vigilant and not become complacent, especially with regards to terrorist movements that have started infiltrating people's lives.

Rycko stated that terrorist groups have shifted their approach from a frontal approach to more subtle methods, and from a 'bullet' strategy to a 'ballot' strategy.

He emphasized the importance of public awareness and synergy among various stakeholders in combating violence-based extremism and terrorism, as BNPT cannot address the threats alone.

Dangers of ideology terrorism

Similarly, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, also highlighted the dangers of ideological terrorism. Mahfud stated that ideological threats differ from territorial threats since territorial threats are visible, while ideological threats are not.

According to Mahfud, territorial threats disrupt the physical territory, whereas ideological threats undermine the unity, security, and comfort within the framework of a shared ideology. He emphasized that ideological threats can infiltrate silently and occur anywhere, making it extremely dangerous if not properly anticipated.

Additionally, Mahfud cautioned against the infiltration of radical ideas in educational institutions. He mentioned that there are instances of radicalization and indoctrination taking place in various educational institutions, which pose ongoing risks.

He explained that radicalism entails opposition to the Pancasila ideology, the government, and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).