The joyful laughter of children filling schoolyards has always been one of the most poetic signs that a nation’s future is growing. Yet beyond classroom walls and the bustle of formal education lies another, quieter space that increasingly shapes the way children think. This space has no physical boundaries, follows no school timetable, and reaches them intimately through the screens of the smartphones they hold every day. It is where information, entertainment, and destructive ideologies compete for attention, including intolerance, radicalism, extremism, and terrorism.
As reported by Antara last weekend, the threat of radicalization among children is no longer associated with secret meetings in dark rooms or closed-door sermons. The rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed the way radical ideologies spread, making them far subtler, more personal, and far more difficult for parents to detect.
Aggressive social media algorithms continuously recommend content based on users’ interests. When a child begins engaging with a particular type of content, digital platforms can automatically feed increasingly extreme material without the child even realizing it.
This phenomenon is not merely an exaggerated fear. Indonesia’s National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) has consistently warned that the spread of radical ideology now occurs far more frequently through digital platforms than through face-to-face interactions. Young people, who spend significant amounts of time online, have become the primary targets.
The Family’s Role
Combating radicalization among children can never rely solely on law enforcement or security measures. The root of the problem lies much deeper—in the psychological well-being of children.
Children who feel lonely, receive little attention from their families, experience bullying, or lack healthy opportunities for open dialogue in real life are generally more vulnerable to seeking acceptance in the digital world. It is at these moments of vulnerability that radical groups step in, offering manipulative narratives that may appear simple but ultimately prove destructive.
For that reason, the first line of defense must be built within the home.
This approach has begun to receive serious attention from the Surabaya City Government, which has issued a circular emphasizing the importance of deep talk—meaningful conversations between parents and children.
Parents should no longer focus solely on limiting screen time. Instead, they must become trusted companions with whom their children can openly discuss ideas and concerns. Through honest and supportive communication, children are better equipped to filter, evaluate, and critically assess the extreme content they may encounter online.
Preventive efforts are also being strengthened in schools through collaboration with Densus 88, the Indonesian National Police’s Counterterrorism Special Detachment. Teachers are being trained to recognize behavioral changes that could indicate early signs of radicalization.
The strengthening of youth organizations and local community groups also demonstrates that prevention must be carried out by fostering healthy, inclusive social environments.
Indonesia is now entering a crucial period on its path toward the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. The country’s demographic bonus will become a tremendous opportunity only if its younger generation develops a strong sense of national identity and character.
Conversely, if the nation’s youth are exposed to the poison of intolerance, that demographic advantage could instead become a serious social challenge.
The country’s greatest investment is not merely the construction of impressive physical infrastructure, but also the preservation of minds that remain tolerant and respectful of diversity.
Our greatest responsibility today is not only to monitor the digital space more effectively, but also to provide genuine role models who demonstrate compassion and respect for differences. Through the warmth of family relationships and the commitment of the state, this shared hope can continue to flourish, safeguarding Indonesia’s unity for generations to come.***
