From Threat Assesment to Action: Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88’s Perspective on Combating Cyber Terrorism in Indonesia

Objective: This study aims to analyze the cyber terrorism eradication strategies implemented in Indonesia Theoretical Framework: Based on Law Enforcement Theory, it emphasizes preventive and repressive legal measures to counter cyber terrorism. It also integrates cyber terrorism and ICT Adoption Theories, highlighting how technological advancements enable extremist propaganda, recruitment, and cyber-attacks, necessitating stronger legal frameworks. Additionally, this study examines global cybersecurity collaboration, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cybercrime laws and multi-stakeholder coordination to strengthen Indonesia’s cyber resilience. Method: The qualitative stage involves in-depth interviews, text analysis, and observations to understand the nature, motives, and strategies of cyber terrorism and evaluate countermeasures. Data is collected through structured closed interviews with key informants from Densus 88 on Java-Bali Island, ensuring confidentiality while obtaining specific and targeted insights into the causes and impacts of cyber terrorism. Results and Discussion: Cyber terrorism in Indonesia continues to evolve, driven by rapid technological advancements and high internet penetration, which facilitate the spread of extremist ideologies through digital propaganda, online recruitment, and cyberattacks on government systems. The main challenges in combating cyber terrorism include weak digital literacy, socio-political instability, and regulatory gaps that hinder law enforcement efforts. To address these threats, Indonesia has strengthened its cybersecurity infrastructure, enhanced legal frameworks such as the UU ITE and PDP Law, and intensified cross-agency collaboration, but challenges remain in public awareness and institutional coordination. Research Implications: This research underscores the need for stronger regulations, enhanced cybersecurity, and cross-agency collaboration to combat cyber terrorism. It also highlights the urgency of specialized cyber laws, improved law enforcement, and public engagement to strengthen national resilience. Originality/Value: This research provides a comprehensive analysis of cyber terrorism in Indonesia, integrating law enforcement perspectives with technological and regulatory challenges. Its originality lies in proposing a participatory-based counter-cyber terrorism model, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, digital literacy, and strengthened legal frameworks to enhance national resilience.