The group is affiliated with the Islamic State and the arrests took place in Parigi Moutong and Poso districts in the early hours of Wednesday.
National Police spokesperson KBP Mayndra Eka Wardhana stated that four suspects were detained in Parigi Moutong and four others were apprehended in Poso.
One of the arrests occurred in Tomoli Utara village within the Toribulu subdistrict at around 01:30 local time.
The suspect was taken into custody without resistance and officers later searched his residence to seize six machetes as well as mobile phones and bank cards.
Local residents expressed surprise at the operation because the suspect was known as a fruit seller who lived an apparently normal life in the community.
The village head of Tomoli Utara Jufri Haruji explained that the suspect carried out daily activities like selling fruit so there was no suspicion among the villagers.
Police investigations suggest the suspects were involved in spreading extremist propaganda through various online platforms.
Authorities allege they uploaded and shared images, writings, and videos promoting radical ideology while further inquiries are underway to determine their role in militant activities.
The arrests highlight ongoing challenges in Central Sulawesi which is a region that has long been a hotspot for extremist networks.
Poso in particular has been associated with past militant activity and Indonesian security forces continue to monitor and dismantle cells linked to transnational organizations.
Wardhana emphasized that the operation was part of the sustained efforts of the government to curb radicalization and protect national security.
"The Densus 88 of the National Police continues to develop and deepen investigations into the eight suspects," he said.
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Translator: Nur Amalia Amir, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Arie Novarina
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