JAKARTA (Bernama): Indonesia’s elite counter-terrorism unit, Densus 88, has arrested an 18-year-old teenager in South Sulawesi province on suspicion of spreading extremist propaganda and inciting acts of terrorism online, police said Sunday.
The suspect, a local man, identified only by the initials MAS, was detained on Saturday at 5.20 pm local time in Gowa regency, according to Densus 88 Information and Documentation Office.
"MAS was found to be active in a digital communication channel disseminating content related to ISIS (Daesh) ideology, including calls to carry out bombings at places of worship,” Assistant Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana said in a statement.
According to Mayndra, the teenager had allegedly managed a WhatsApp group called "Daulah Islamiah” since December 2024, where he shared images, videos, voice recordings and writings promoting the terrorist group.
The WhatsApp group also hosted discussions justifying suicide bombings in the context of war, reflecting extremist views aligned with Daesh.
"The phone number used by MAS has been identified as the group’s primary administrator,” he added.
Police also seized a mobile phone allegedly used in the suspect’s online activities, and MAS remains in custody for further questioning.
Densus 88 has vowed to continue cracking down on terror networks, including those exploiting digital platforms, while urging the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. - Bernama
