Between Promise and Peril: Artificial Intelligence in Indonesia’s Counter-Violent Extremism Strategy

This qualitative research examines the ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being utilised to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE) in Indonesia, as well as the obstacles that hinder its broader implementation. The study aims to answer two key questions- (1) How can AI concretely enhance Indonesia's P/CVE efforts? (2) What limitations and challenges emerge when incorporating AI into these efforts? For the study, a purposive sample of fifteen AI experts was recruited from the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), the Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88 (Densus 88), academics, AI startups, civil society organisations (CSOs) focused on digital rights, and former terrorist offenders. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analysed through thematic coding in Atlas.ti. The findings indicate that AI currently aids Indonesian P/CVE operations in three main ways- monitoring social media activities, complementing conventional P/CVE efforts, and detecting online extremism efficiently. The challenges include algorithmic biases, a lack of public trust towards the government’s use of AI, and legal barriers to integrating AI into P/CVE efforts. The study also underscores useful recommendations, including collaboration among relevant stakeholders, adherence to ethical principles, and investment in public training on AI use. This research presents timely insights for policymakers, technology developers, and civil society by exploring how AI can be ethically and effectively incorporated into P/CVE strategies in Indonesia. The findings aim to inform the development of more inclusive, rights-respecting AI frameworks that balance national security needs with public trust. Beyond local relevance, the study contributes to global debates by offering a bottom-up perspective from the Global South that challenges Western-centric models of technology governance. It demonstrates how Indonesia’s experience provides a transferable framework for other nations navigating the dual promise and peril of AI in securitisation, while also interrogating the competing logics of security and human rights within multi-stakeholder governance models for emerging technologies.