Indonesian workers in developed countries exposed to radical ideas online, says counterterrorism chief

This because of the many radical narratives on social media and easy access to the Internet in developed countries.

JAKARTA: Indonesian migrant workers employed in developed countries are vulnerable to exposure to radical ideas, said the nation’s counterterrorism chief.

The head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency or BNPT, Boy Rafli Amar, in a statement Saturday, said this vulnerability comes about because of the many radical narratives spread via social media and easy access to the Internet in developed countries.

The counterterrorism official highlighted a case in January in which an Indonesian migrant worker was deported from Singapore over suspected exposure to radical ideas.

The Indonesian was deported because they continued to spread content linked to radicalism on social media.

"This emphasises that anyone, including migrant workers, can be exposed to radicalism," Boy said.

The former head of Papua police added that all citizens are obligated to develop an understanding of the characteristics of radical, intolerant, and terror groups to avoid radicalism.

Moreover, it is important for each Indonesian citizen to know the antidote to radicalism, which is nationalism, according to Boy.