Adolescent, Radicalism, and Terrorism in Indonesia: Experts’ View

Abstract

Terrorism involving adolescents in Indonesia has been started since 2009. Currently, the number has reached about 16.5% of the total number of terrorism cases in Indonesia. Referring to this critical situation, we gathered experts in radicalism and terrorism issues in two focus group discussions (FGD) to examine the situation of adolescents and radicalism and terrorism in Indonesia, the vulnerability factors of adolescents, and the prevention strategies that can be done in the future. As a result, we find that radicalism has penetrated in young groups in Indonesia, even at an earlier age. This situation is supported by their vulnerability as an adolescent, including physical, psychological, and psychosocial vulnerabilities. Physical changes that happen in adolescence impact on psychological and psychosocial changes. In general, the need for self-existence becomes the source of all their vulnerabilities. Adolescent efforts to achieve their self-existence in society place them at risk of becoming the target of recruitment by radical and terror groups. Therefore, in the context of preventing radicalism and terrorism among adolescents in Indonesia, alternative identity is important to be pursued further.