Alexander Sabar launches book on digital terrorism propaganda in Indonesia
Director General of Digital Space Surveillance Alexander Sabar opened the book "Atas Nama Surga: Algoritma Radikalisasi Hingga Manipulasi Kesadaran" in Jakarta. The 164‑page work, based on his doctoral dissertation at Universitas Indonesia, analyses how terrorist groups spread propaganda through digital platforms and how algorithmic media can create a hyperreal narrative that influences the public. Sabar cited French sociologist Jean Baudrillard’s simulacra theory as a conceptual basis and said the book aims to raise public awareness of online extremist messaging. Communication and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid praised the publication, noting that digital narratives can evolve from minor falsehoods to attacks on human values.
The National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) highlighted the growing threat of digital radicalisation, with its head Eddy Hartono stating that terrorist networks now use the internet for propaganda, recruitment and financing, targeting children and teenagers as especially vulnerable. The agency reported that roughly 250 children have undergone rehabilitation programmes between 2024 and 2025 to counter extremist indoctrination.
Entities: Alexander Sabar · Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Terorisme (BNPT) · Eddy Hartono · Meutya Hafid · Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 250 children have undergone rehabilitation for exposure to extremist ideology between 2024 and 2025. (source)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Children and teenagers are the primary targets for digital terrorist recruitment. (source)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The book examines the spread of terrorist propaganda in the digital realm. (source)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Alexander Sabar launched a book titled 'Atas Nama Surga: Algoritma Radikalisasi Hingga Manipulasi Kesadaran'. (source)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Minister Meutya Hafid praised the book, saying it shows how digital narratives can erode human values. (source)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] BNPT head Eddy Hartono stated terrorist groups use cyberspace for propaganda, recruitment, and funding. (source)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The book is 164 pages long and derived from Sabar's PhD dissertation at Universitas Indonesia. (source)