Indonesian Military Uses Disinformation to Silence Dissent, Amnesty International Reports

Amnesty International has unveiled a critical report revealing that Indonesian authorities, including the military, are employing coordinated disinformation campaigns to suppress dissent and intimidate critics. The findings, published on May 19, 2026, highlight a worrying trend of branding activists, journalists, and human rights defenders as “foreign agents” to discredit their work and stifle public debate under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

Disinformation as a Political Weapon

The report, titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies”, details how state and state-aligned actors are leveraging misinformation to undermine civil society. According to Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard, these campaigns are designed to “consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, while demonizing and weakening those who dare to speak out.”

Online slurs and false narratives have preceded instances of intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents. Social media platforms such as Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have been criticized for allowing harmful content to proliferate without sufficient moderation.

Chilling Effect on Free Expression

The report underscores the chilling effect of these tactics on freedom of expression. Activists, journalists, and academics face increased risks of harassment, legal action, and physical harm. Amnesty International has documented cases where individuals were targeted with false accusations of being “foreign agents,” a label that not only tarnishes their reputations but also justifies repression.

“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s government,” Callamard stated. “This disinformation is a political weapon, deployed to shift attention away from people’s legitimate grievances.”

Call for Accountability and Action

Amnesty International is urging the Indonesian government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these disinformation campaigns. The organization also calls on tech companies to take stronger measures to remove harmful content and prevent the spread of misinformation.

“The right to speak freely and criticize the government is fundamental,” said Callamard. “When this right is undermined through disinformation, it threatens the extremely foundations of democracy.”

Background and Context

The report comes amid growing concerns about human rights under Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. Since his election in 2024, there have been increased reports of crackdowns on dissent, including the detention of activists and restrictions on press freedom. Amnesty International’s research indicates that the use of disinformation has become a key tactic in this broader pattern of repression.

For more information, visit Amnesty International’s official website.