Indonesian Military Accused of Coordinating Disinformation Campaigns to Silencing Critics

Amnesty International has released a damning report revealing that Indonesian authorities, including the military, are orchestrating coordinated disinformation campaigns to suppress dissent and intimidate activists, journalists, and academics. The report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies”, highlights how government critics are being branded as “foreign agents” through online slurs, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship.

The Disinformation Strategy

The report details a pattern of online misinformation designed to discredit legitimate activism and public debate. Military-connected social media accounts are accused of spreading false narratives that portray journalists, human rights defenders, and protesters as foreign-backed threats. This tactic, according to Amnesty International, aims to consolidate power while diverting attention from public grievances.

“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s government,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “This disinformation is a political weapon, deployed to consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, while demonizing and weakening those who dare to speak out.”

Role of Tech Giants

The report also criticizes major technology companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, for failing to curb the spread of harmful content. These platforms are accused of allowing disinformation to remain online, enabling the government’s campaign of intimidation. The lack of moderation, Amnesty argues, exacerbates the suppression of free speech and fuels violence against dissidents.

“Online slurs precede intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents,” the report states. “Tech companies have a responsibility to act, yet they continue to sit back and let harmful content proliferate.”

Context and Implications

The findings come amid growing concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Indonesia. Since President Prabowo Subianto took office 18 months ago, Amnesty International has documented a sharp rise in tactics aimed at silencing opposition. The report calls on the Indonesian government to investigate and hold accountable those involved in spreading disinformation, as well as on tech companies to implement stricter content moderation policies.

“This is not just a violation of human rights—it’s a systemic effort to undermine democracy,” said Callamard. “The international community must pressure Indonesia to protect its citizens’ right to free expression.”

Call to Action

Amnesty International urges immediate action to address the crisis. The organization has called on the Indonesian government to cease its disinformation campaigns and to ensure the safety of activists and journalists. It also demands that tech companies take responsibility for the content on their platforms and collaborate with human rights groups to combat online harassment.

As the situation evolves, the need for transparency and accountability remains urgent. The rights of Indonesians to express their views without fear of retribution are under threat, and the actions of both state and corporate actors will determine the future of free speech in the region.