Indonesia’s Digital Landscape: Amnesty International Highlights Concerns Over Targeted Disinformation

A new report from Amnesty International, titled Building up Imaginary Enemies, has brought significant attention to the use of coordinated disinformation campaigns within Indonesia. Published in May 2026, the document details how state and state-aligned actors are increasingly leveraging online platforms to target civil society, including journalists, activists, academics, and protesters.

The Mechanics of Online Disinformation

The research, which focuses on the first 18 months of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, outlines a troubling pattern of digital tactics. According to Amnesty International, government critics are frequently labeled as “foreign agents” in the digital space. This branding serves as a political weapon, intended to discredit those who speak out against government policies and shift public focus away from legitimate grievances.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, noted that these authoritarian practices have accelerated during the current administration. The report indicates that these disinformation efforts are not merely isolated incidents but part of a systematic approach to shutting down public debate and justifying repression.

From Online Slurs to Offline Harm

The report highlights a dangerous progression from digital harassment to real-world consequences. Online slurs and coordinated campaigns often precede instances of intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents. By demonizing individuals online, these campaigns create a climate where activists and journalists face heightened risks to their personal safety and professional standing.

The Role of Tech Giants

A significant portion of the Amnesty International report evaluates the responsibility of major social media companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube. The organization asserts that these platforms have allowed harmful content to spread rapidly, failing to adequately address the disinformation that fuels human rights abuses.

By allowing this content to remain online, these tech giants are criticized for enabling a political environment where criticism is suppressed. The chilling effect of this digital environment is a core concern, as it discourages citizens from engaging in legitimate activism and free expression.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Targeting: Disinformation is being used to systematically discredit journalists, activists, and academics.
• The “Foreign Agent” Label: Branding critics as “foreign agents” has become a primary tactic to undermine dissent.
• Offline Violence: There is a documented link between online disinformation campaigns and subsequent physical intimidation or violence against targets.
• Platform Responsibility: Major social media companies are under pressure to improve their response to harmful, state-aligned disinformation.

Looking Forward

The findings presented by Amnesty International underscore the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Indonesia. As the government continues to consolidate power, the role of independent monitoring and international advocacy remains critical. The report serves as a call to action for both state authorities to uphold human rights and for technology companies to implement more robust safeguards against the weaponization of their platforms.

For those interested in the full scope of the research, the report Building up Imaginary Enemies is available through the official Amnesty International documentation portal.