What We Do

Indonesia

Reframing and Co-Creating Peace

With the aim of supporting inmates imprisoned for terrorism-related offenses to pursue peaceful lives rather than violence, we provide rehabilitation and social reintegration support, while also promoting reconciliation with local communities and preventing radicalization.

Although no terrorist attacks have occurred in Indonesia since 2023, the risk of terrorism posed by extremist groups remains, including splinter factions of Jemaah Islamiyah (which announced its dissolution in June 2024) that support ISIS, as well as groups such as Jamaah Ansharut Daulah. In fact, while large-scale crackdowns by the police and military were carried out throughout the late 2010s, rehabilitation and reintegration support within prisons has often remained insufficient, leaving many individuals to complete their sentences while still holding extremist ideologies.

At the same time, the risk of radicalization among vulnerable youth is also increasing. Cases have been reported in which messages fueling social grievances and extremist content are spread through certain mosques and social media platforms, contributing to the radicalization of young people. In response, relevant government agencies have implemented technical regulatory measures; however, these efforts have at times generated further resentment among youth.

Against this backdrop, in Indonesia — one of the Southeast Asian countries most exposed to the risk of terrorism — we implement unique initiatives that build on our previous experience and expertise.

Our Work in Indonesia


We provide rehabilitation and social reintegration support to individuals formerly associated with so-called extremist organizations such as Jemaah Islamiyah and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah who have been imprisoned for terrorism-related offenses. We also work to promote reconciliation with local communities, prevent radicalization, and strengthen community-based support systems.

1. Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Support

We provide support to inmates formerly associated with so-called extremist organizations at the maximum-security prison on Nusakambangan Island in Central Java, widely known as Indonesia’s “prison island.” In particular, former senior members and masterminds of suicide bombings are isolated from the general prison population and placed under strict surveillance. However, such environments often deepen distrust and resentment toward the state and society, making it difficult for inmates to develop motivation for reintegration into society.

Drawing on experience gained in Somalia and Yemen, we provide tailored support to these inmates. In Indonesia, individuals often join extremist organizations primarily due to religious or ideological motivations rather than economic hardship or coercion. For this reason, we place particular emphasis on dialogue-based approaches, including counseling, religious re-education seminars, and disengagement sessions.

Through dialogue, we seek to understand and engage with their beliefs and perspectives, while encouraging reflection on whether violence is truly the most effective means of achieving their goals. Because these individuals have firsthand experience of involvement in terrorism and imprisonment, we believe it is essential to work together with them to explore ways they can contribute to society through non-violent means.

2. Promoting Reconciliation and Community-Based Prevention of Radicalization

In order for former inmates to successfully reintegrate into society and live as members of their communities without becoming re-radicalized, the understanding and support of local communities are essential. We create opportunities for dialogue between former inmates and community members to foster mutual understanding and reconciliation, while also working with government authorities and local communities to conduct awareness-raising activities aimed at preventing youth radicalization.

3. Strengthening Local Support Systems

We provide training for prison officers and probation officers who support the reintegration of inmates, focusing on needs assessment, counseling techniques, and relationship-building skills. In addition, we support the development of infrastructure, including the establishment of counseling rooms within prisons and the renovation of training centers used by inmates, prison officers, and probation officers, with the aim of sustainably strengthening local support systems.

Past Initiatives

Preventing Online Radicalization Among Youth

In Indonesia, many of the young people involved in so-called extremist organizations are reportedly under the age of 29, and with the spread of the internet and social media, online recruitment targeting vulnerable youth has increased rapidly. With support from the Toyota Foundation, we have implemented social media video campaigns and online seminars featuring experts from Indonesia and abroad to help prevent young people from becoming involved in violence by encouraging them to reflect on their identities and recognize the importance of the people around them, including family and friends.

"At first, I wondered what a non-Muslim Japanese person could do. But in reality, being able to reflect on my past on equal footing and receive follow-up support rooted in everyday life was extremely meaningful."

— Arifin (pseudonym), Former Member of the So-Called Extremist Organization Laskar Hisbah

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This project is supported by Citizen’s Fund Grand

Citizen's Fund Grand