SOUTHEAST ASIA
INDONESIA
Indonesia became a GCERF partner country in 2023. However, since the 2000s, Indonesia has faced violent extremism, including international terrorism and domestic militant activity, with major incidents like the 2002 Bali bombings. After a period of calm, ISIS-inspired attacks resurfaced in 2016, though no terrorist attacks occurred from 2023 to 2025. Despite this, extremist recruitment and activities persist. Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a key VE organisation, officially disbanded on June 30, 2024, with over 2,400 members renouncing ties and pledging allegiance to the government. However, experts warn of splinter groups, and the continued arrests of extremists highlight ongoing risks of radicalisation and terrorism.
- Central Sulawesi
- Jakarta
- West Java
- West Nusa Tenggara
Background & Context
Understanding Violent
Extremism in Indonesia
Since 2000, Indonesia has experienced episodes of violent extremism, including both transnational terrorism and domestic militant activity, most notably the 2002 Bali bombings. Following a relatively calm period, ISIS-inspired attacks re-emerged in 2016, although no terrorist incidents were recorded between 2023 and 2025. Nonetheless, risks linked to radicalisation remain, as extremist recruitment and related activities continue. A significant development was the formal dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), a major violent extremist organisation, on 30 June 2024. More than 2,400 members reportedly renounced the group and pledged allegiance to the Indonesian government. Despite this milestone, security experts caution that splinter factions may emerge, and ongoing arrests of extremists indicate that the threat has not been fully eliminated.
GCERF'S UNIQUE INVESTMENT MODEL
Country
Support Mechanism
GCERF pioneers a unique model of investment designed to promote a whole-of-society approach and ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Under this model, in each partner country, we support national governments in establishing a steering committee called the Country Support Mechanism (CSM).
In Indonesia, the CSM is chaired by the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) and brings together relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, and donor representatives to provide strategic direction for the programmes, ensure results, and progressively inherit ownership of funding community-level efforts to prevent violent extremism.
Key Drivers of Violent Extremism
Gaps in religious education
Limited access to consistent, quality religious education can leave space for informal teachings. Some of these informal channels may expose individuals to radicalising narratives.
Poverty and economic exclusion
Limited access to jobs, services, and economic opportunities can increase vulnerability to recruitment. Feelings of marginalisation may make extremist messaging more appealing.
Online radicalisation
Social media and encrypted platforms enable rapid exposure to extremist content. Online networks facilitate recruitment, propaganda, and ideological reinforcement beyond traditional spaces.
Results at a Glance
Key Results
Investment & grant figures updated May 2026 · Programme results updated December 2025