K-Hub PCVE Outlook #4

Digital Communication Strategies to Counter Radical Ideologies

Exploring the Digital Communication Strategies of Civil Society Organisations in Indonesia to Prevent and Address Violent Extremism

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Introduction

Online radicalisation has become a serious global threat. Radicalisation is no longer only limited to collective action offline, which typically begins with individuals joining a terror group, but also includes connective action, where an individual is exposed to radicalism online by connecting with similar ideas. In Indonesia, for instance, a 19-year-old youth identified as HOK was influenced to join a radical network abroad through the Telegram social media platform. He joined several Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) channels, such as Radical Alem and Amaq News. This influenced him to construct homemade bombs at his residence in Batu, Malang (24/08).¹

Based on data from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kemenkominfo), between 7 July 2023 and 21 March 2024, they have addressed 5,731 pieces of digital content related to radicalism, extremism, and terrorism. Meta was reported as the most commonly used platform for spreading such content.² According to Kompas, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) also identified 2,264 social media accounts containing 10,519 pieces of content linked to intolerance, radicalism, extremism, and terrorism from January 2024 to 29 October 2024. Among these thousands of accounts, 1,013 were Facebook accounts, 571 were WhatsApp accounts, 185 were Telegram accounts, 163 were Instagram accounts, 145 were online media accounts, 129 were X (formerly Twitter) accounts, 36 were TikTok accounts, and 22 were YouTube accounts.

Furthermore, Kompas detailed that the content shared by these accounts included 29 pieces of content related to hiding, 430 on carrying out terrorist attacks, 107 on recruitment, 7 on paramilitary activities, 54 on training, 36 on planning, 201 on funding, 15 on providing logistics, and 9,640 on propaganda. Specifically regarding propaganda, there were 8,694 pieces of general content, 512 anti-Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) content, 77 anti-Pancasila content, 147 intolerant content pieces, and 210 "takfiri" content — a doctrine that teaches accusing or condemning someone as an unbeliever.³

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Landscape

From June to July 2024, the K-Hub PVE Community and KPP conducted research on the digital communication strategies of thirty-five (35) Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the field of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) through desk reviews, surveys, and focus group discussions (FGDs). This research aimed to map best practices, challenges, communication strategy gaps, as well as opportunities and projections for the development of PCVE CSOs' digital communication strategies in the future.

Key Findings

9 out of every 10 CSOs in Indonesia adopt a Positive Alternative approach in their digital communication strategies.

8 out of every 10 CSOs do not have a specific digital communication strategy roadmap.

4 out of every 10 CSOs lack a dedicated communication strategy division. Moreover, 2 out of every 35 organisations do not implement any specific communication strategy at all.

Communication strategy development and content management present the biggest challenges for CSOs. This includes difficulties in managing relevant content, responding to issues, maintaining consistency in communication strategies, and measuring content impact.

The organisations studied employed diverse approaches. Referring to the PCVE Communication Approach Quadrant by Tio and Kruber (2022), these approaches can be classified into four quadrants.

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One-Way MessageTwo-Way Dialogue

Proactive ResilienceReactive Mitigation

Best Practices in Digital Communication Strategy

Based on research, several best practices have been identified in the digital communication strategies of CSOs focused on preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).

Key figures, commonly referred to as Key Opinion Leader (KOL), play a major role in effectively conveying messages to prevent violent extremism in a personal, relatable, and authentic manner. Moreover, KOLs who have firsthand experience with radicalism will convey more impactful messages.

The Wahid Foundation exemplifies this best practice by positioning Yenny Wahid as the face of the organisation and a key figure in spreading its messages, both nationally and internationally. Through Wahid Foundation's social media, Yenny Wahid and her communication team use personal and human-centred narratives to promote interfaith dialogue and respond to current issues. She also deeply understands the Wahid Foundation's audience’s interests, which allows her to create personal narratives that resonate with them. For example, she connects the foundation's messages to relevant values taught by Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).

Similarly, Yayasan Debintal demonstrates best practices by involving Hendro Fernando, a former ISIS member, as a KOL. Leveraging his insights into terrorist networks, Hendro plays a key role in building counter-radicalism narratives on social media, responding to emerging issues within terror groups. He is also a central figure in Yayasan Debintal's media platforms, where he shares their peace-building activities, such as the Safari Dakwah program, which involves visiting former extremists in prisons across Indonesia—strengthening the audience's trust.

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Key Figures Relevant to the Audience

Image of Comics as an Alternative Medium

Image of Effective Communication Framework

Image of Utilising Various Digital Channels

Digital Communication Strategy Challenges

PCVE CSOs in Indonesia face various challenges in planning, developing, and implementing digital communication strategies within their respective organisations. These challenges include:

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*Note: Each organisation may face more than one challenge.

Gaps in Digital Communication Strategies

Challenges in the digital communication strategies of PCVE CSOs are also reflected in the gaps in resources and mechanisms for developing communication strategies within each organisation. Some of these gaps include gaps in the communication strategy division, guidelines and roadmaps, monitoring and evaluation, capacity development, and policies related to GEDSI.

Left cable illustrating gaps in communication strategies

Right cable illustrating gaps in communication strategies

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Opportunities and Projections for Digital Communication

Despite the various challenges and gaps in implementing communication strategies at each PCVE CSO, there are numerous opportunities that can be leveraged by both CSOs and development partners. Some of these opportunities include:

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Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Image showing artificial intelligence technology implementation

Several CSOs, in the PCVE realm and in other sectors, have begun to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop communication strategies within their organisations. For example, the media team at Islami.co has utilised ChatGPT to aid in understanding target audiences and generating content ideas. AI can assist CSOs in quickly sourcing data, providing recommendations for editorial plans and communication strategy development, and rapidly producing communication products. However, it is important to note that the use of AI is not a panacea for communication strategies in the niche and sensitive area of PCVE, and thus the learning curve for its application poses a distinct challenge. Moreover, ethical considerations regarding the use of AI remain a topic of debate.

Utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Nevertheless, several technologies can assist CSOs in their communication strategies, including:

Cognosys AI, ChatGPT, Jasper, and Bard for research and brainstorming related to communication strategy ideas and their derivatives.

ChatGPT for sentiment analysis of public opinion on specific issues or communication products created (monitoring and evaluation).

Canva AI and Adobe AI to facilitate rapid production of visual content accompanying messages.

Clip Creator, HeyGen, Pictory, and Simplified to assist in scripting videos and creating video content based on those scripts.

Transkrip.id for converting audio into written documents, expediting the data collection process from audio or video sources.

Prowly to help map effective media relations strategies by creating and distributing press releases, finding relevant media contacts, sending press releases effectively, tracking mentions, and more.

Exploration of New Media Platforms

Illustration of social media platform usage by PCVE CSOs

According to the research, 9 out of 10 PCVE CSOs in Indonesia use Instagram as their primary media platform. Conversely, X (Twitter) and TikTok are the two least used media platforms by PCVE CSOs, with only 3 out of 10 using TikTok. However, data from We Are Social indicates that there are 126.83 million TikTok users in Indonesia, meaning around half of all Indonesians now use TikTok. Furthermore, Indonesia ranks second globally for TikTok usage, presenting a promising opportunity for PCVE CSOs to expand their communication reach on this platform. The audience-first algorithm of TikTok also simplifies the process for CSOs to engage potential audiences there.

Meanwhile, only 4 out of every 10 CSOs utilise X (Twitter) as their media platform. However, X (Twitter) is a social media platform that serves as a timely and effective medium for sparking discourse in Indonesia. Discussions on X (Twitter) typically extend to other social media platforms, with the potential to mobilise the masses. For example, the #PeringatanDarurat (#EmergencyWarning) protests, which urged the House of Representatives and the General Election Commission to respect the Constitutional Court's decision on regional elections, issued in August 2024, originated from a meme intended as a joke about public disappointment. Within 24 hours, the meme became a national sensation that mobilised mass protests across various regions in Indonesia. This shows the significant potential for CSOs to actively share ideas and raise public awareness on X (Twitter), as the text-based nature of the platform makes it easier for them to communicate issues and impacts without needing to create accompanying visual products.

Capacity Development Opportunities

Illustration of capacity development for PCVE activists

The urgent need for communication strategies in PCVE encourages various development partners, CSOs, and stakeholders to enhance the skills of PCVE activists in crafting and implementing effective communication strategies. However, such capacity development work typically takes place only occasionally when deemed necessary, rather than being a regular yearly activity . Access to capacity development opportunities is often limited as well.

Some capacity development programmes available to CSOs and individuals each year include:

UNOCT Global Programme on PCVE
UNOCT Global Programme on PCVE: This programme enhances the capacity of beneficiaries and partners to become more resilient against violent extremism and reduce the threat of terrorism. One of the components of this programme is a learning platform on PCVE communication strategies, freely accessible on the UNOCT Learning Platform. Additionally, UNOCT annually holds special training for youth and peace activists in various countries to develop their communication strategy skills. Selection is typically limited to PCVE networks in target countries. Join the K-Hub for the latest information on opportunities when they become available.

Radio Nederland Training Center (RNTC)
RNTC is a training centre of RNW Media providing training on media campaigns for advocacy and social change, preventing and countering misinformation and hate speech in digital media, and storytelling for social change. Training sessions are conducted throughout the year, with global scholarship opportunities available, including for peace activists in Indonesia. Scholarships are generally available from February to March each year. Access the RNTC website for more information.

Australia Awards Short Course
This short course is a brief study programme offered by the Australian Government through Australia Awards, providing beneficiaries the opportunity to learn about specific topics, including digital literacy, Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Disability (GEDSI). However, the topics covered by the Australia Awards Short Course vary widely and are not always repeated each year. Registration periods for these programmes are not fixed, so those interested in applying should check the website Australia Awards Indonesia regularly.

UNODC Peer-to-Peer Learning
As a United Nations office focusing on drug and crime issues, UNODC runs several programmes related to PCVE, including capacity building for PCVE activists. In recent years, UNODC has routinely conducted peer-to-peer learning programmes among activists and countries regarding communication strategies in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand). Typically, UNODC collaborates with the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) to select representatives from CSOs for their capacity-building sessions. Access the UNODC website for further information.

Establishing the K-Hub PVE Community a Strategic Partner

Illustration of K-Hub PVE Community collaboration with PCVE CSOs

As a digital platform aimed at strengthening collaboration among PCVE CSOs in Indonesia, the K-Hub PVE Community also offers a range of services to assist CSOs in developing and implementing distinctive digital communication strategies for their organisations. These services include, but are not limited to, developing organisational communications guidelines, organisational communications strategy roadmaps, campaign strategies, and the processes for producing, disseminating, and evaluating organisational communication products. The communications products that CSOs can develop in collaboration with K-Hub PVE Community are diverse, including articles, social media content, press releases, videos, infographics, virtual exhibitions, and interactive website development services.

Establishing the K-Hub PVE Community a Strategic Partner

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Citation

Here is the list translated into British English:

[1] Narda, Rachel Catherine, and Dani Prabowo. (August 2024). *Five Facts About the Arrest of a Teenage Terrorist in Batu*.
https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2024/08/06/08433671/5-fakta-penangkapan-teroris-remaja-di-batu

[2] Rochman, Fathur. (March 2024). *Ministry of Communication and Informatics Handles 5,731 Pieces of Content Related to Radicalism in Digital Spaces*.
https://www.antaranews.com/berita/4024440/kemenkominfo-tangani-5731-konten-terkait-radikalisme-di-ruang-digital

[3] Medi, Willy Christian Nababan. (October 2024). *Throughout 2024, 2,264 Social Media Accounts Spread Terrorism-Related Content*.
https://www.kompas.id/artikel/sepanjang-2024-ada-2264-akun-medsos-dan-10519-konten-berbau-terorisme

[4] Editorial Team. (March 2021). *Shooting at Police Headquarters: 'Suspected ISIS Ideologist,' Police Reveal Identity of 25-Year-Old Female Attacker*.
https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/indonesia-56579674

[5] Presidential Regulation Number 7 of 2021 on the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Countering of Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism 2020-2024.

[6] United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2017. *United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Res 2395* (28th December 2017) UN Doc S/RES/2395.

[7] Tio and Kruber. (2022). *Online P/CVE Social Media Efforts*. *Countering Violent and Hateful Extremism in Indonesia: Islam, Gender, and Civil Society*, Chapter 11: 233-254.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2032-4

Program

K-Hub PVE Community
Executive DirectorIrfan Amalee
Project CoordinatorLindawati Sumpena
Project OfficerRike Adelia Hermawan
Community EngagementAzhar M Akbar
Project AssistantAries Hardianto

Outlook

K-Hub PVE Community
Outlook Development CoordinatorRike Adelia Hermawan
EditorUtami Nurhasanah
Creative DirectorMulia Anzalni
Creative ConsultantUtami Nurhasanah
WriterUtami Nurhasanah
Graphic DesignerMulia AnzalniAdhitya Ario PashaRifki Mohammad Malik
AdvisorMuhammad WildanSolahudin Hartman
TranslatorKevin Adhitya
ProofreaderM. Naufal WaliyuddinJordan Newton

Researcher

Kreasi Prasasti Perdamaian
Lead ResearcherNoor Huda Ismail
Research ConsultantPutut Widjanarko
ResearcherAmalia Sekar MahananiRiky Zakaria Nur PratamaMunir KartonoAni Ema Susanti
ContributorFebri RamdaniKusairi

Technology

PLABS.ID
Project ManagerAffif Johansyah
UI/UX DesignerAffif Johansyah
DeveloperGelar RustiawanM Haydar MaulanaAhmad Hidayat
K-Hub
IT ConsultantTio Reza Muchtar

Outlook is a compilation of research findings, recommendations, and projections of trends in the field of preventing and countering violent extremism. This compilation has been prepared by the PeaceGeneration Indonesia team in collaboration with researchers and partner organisations of K-Hub.

The Outlook page has been developed with the support of the Australian Government through the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice 2 (AIPJ2).

The views and opinions expressed on this page are those of the compiling team and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and AIPJ2.

AIPJ2 and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) accept no legal responsibility for the material presented on this page.

Digital Communication Strategies to Counter Radical Ideologies

Introduction

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Landscape

Positive Alternative

Critical Thinking

Counter-Narrative

Remedial Intervention