Lone Wolf Terrorism: A Growing Threat

A married couple carried out a suicide bombing attack at Makassar Cathedral Church on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021. The perpetrators, who were later identified as members of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), were linked to the bombing of a Catholic Church in Jolo Island, Southern Philippines, in 2019..

The police described the attackers as individuals acting on their own initiative, often referred to as “lone wolves.” In terrorism, the term “lone wolf” typically refers to individuals who carry out attacks without direct assistance from any terrorist network or organization.

They act independently, often motivated by ideologies absorbed online. The Director of Prevention at the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Irfan Idris, suggested that this incident indicates a potential evolution in the concept of lone wolves..

“Until now, lone wolves have been understood as individuals committing terror attacks of their own accord. However, they may also be recruiters, not just sympathizers or followers,” Irfan explained.

A terrorism expert from Al Malikussaleh University in Aceh, Al Chaidar, outlined several factors influencing individuals to sympathize with and act as lone wolves. One such factor is the lack of accurate information about religious teachings..

“They often experience spiritual dryness due to insufficient religious knowledge, which is then filled by terrorists they encounter online,” Al Chaidar explained.

Another contributing factor is psychological vulnerability. According to Al Chaidar, lone wolves are often remotely influenced, almost hypnotized, due to pre-existing severe psychological issues, allowing online propaganda to infiltrate their minds.

Indirect involvement in conflicts is another factor. This enables terrorist groups to expand their reach by involving individuals not directly engaged in conflicts but seeking solidarity with a particular religious community, framing the conflict as a religious war.

The digital world has become a new battlefield for recruitment and radicalization. With a single click, individuals can access propaganda videos, radical ideological narratives, and tutorials for creating improvised weapons. This process is swift and often undetectable, as seen in the case of Zakiah Aini (ZA), a 25-year-old woman who attacked the Indonesian National Police Headquarters on March 31, 2021.

ZA’s attack occurred suddenly. She entered the National Police Headquarters with an airsoft gun, firing at officers before being shot dead on the spot. Investigations revealed that ZA was a supporter of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an ISIS-affiliated group, and had been radicalized through social media content.

This case highlights the complexity of the lone wolf threat in Indonesia. While ZA technically acted alone, her actions were ideologically influenced by the extremist network she followed..

“She was inspired by narratives circulating online, although there is no direct evidence she was instructed by any specific group,” a source revealed.

Traditionally, lone wolves have been understood as individuals planning and executing attacks without guidance or support from terrorist groups. However, in reality, these actions are often not entirely autonomous.

Irfan Idris emphasized that lone wolves are products of a broader ideological ecosystem. “Although they appear to act alone, there is often a traceable ideological or inspirational link to terrorist groups,” he stated.

Similarly, Al Chaidar suggested that lone wolves might serve as a tactic for terrorist groups to obscure their networks. “All such actions are like this,” he noted, including cases like ZA’s.

One reason lone wolves pose a serious threat is the difficulty in detecting their movements. Unlike organized terrorist groups with hierarchical structures and coordinated communications, lone wolves often act without leaving clear traces.

“Online communication allows terrorists to penetrate ideologies from a distance, making it difficult for the law to reach them,” said Al Chaidar.

In many cases, radicalization occurs gradually in private spaces like bedrooms, facilitated through devices that go unnoticed by others. The lack of direct communication often results in law enforcement being too late to act, as seen in ZA’s case, which was only uncovered after her attack.

Social media algorithms exacerbate the issue. By recommending similar content based on search histories, these algorithms inadvertently facilitate radicalization. Within weeks or months, someone initially seeking general information about religion can be drawn into the rabbit hole of extremism.

Indonesia faces significant challenges in dealing with the lone wolf phenomenon. Traditional approaches focusing on monitoring terrorist groups are no longer sufficient. The digital realm has created a new battlefield requiring innovative strategies and cross-sector collaboration.

The challenge of addressing lone wolf terrorism lies in the overwhelming influence of social media, which enables individuals to self radicalize. People around them often don’t know because there’s no direct interaction to provide insight.

“In many cases, we may not even recognize the signs that indicate a problem. Because such activities are usually kept private, making them even harder to detect,” Irfan explained.

The difficulty in detecting such individuals stems from the absence of a network that can’t be traced, making their actions unpredictable and their presence harder to identify.

Education is a crucial first step. Enhancing digital literacy among the public can help individuals recognize signs of extremist propaganda and report them. Additionally, the government and digital platforms must collaborate to remove radical content and restrict its spread.

However, technical measures alone are not enough. Deradicalization programs must be designed to reach individuals exposed to extremist ideologies before they take action. Community-based approaches involving families, religious leaders, and local communities can create supportive environments for individuals to disengage from radicalization pathways.

Lone wolf terrorism is not a new phenomenon, but in the digital era, this threat has evolved in increasingly unpredictable ways. Cases in Indonesia remind us that lone wolves are never truly alone. They are part of a larger ecosystem of ideologies, narratives, and inspirations spread online.

Amid these dynamics, Indonesia must adopt a holistic approach combining technology, education, and international collaboration to address the root causes. Lone wolf terrorism is a real threat, but with the right steps, we can break the cycle of radicalization and prevent future attacks.

According to Irfan, countering lone wolf requires unified efforts across sectors. Community initiatives that foster and purpose can counter alienation, while religious leaders play a critical role in dismantling radical ideologies and promoting inclusive, compassionate narratives.

Governments, civil society, religious leaders, and tech firms must address root causes like social isolation, economic inequality, and mistrust in institutions through targeted intervention. Reclaiming the lone wolf identity is equally important, transforming it from a symbol of extremism into one of positive action.

“By advancing prevention strategies, amplifying counter-narratives, and celebrating positive lone wolf figures, we can redefine a symbol of fear into hope, resilience, and progress for Indonesia and beyond,” said Irfan.