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Indonesia’s Military-Linked Disinformation Campaigns Target Activists, Report Reveals

Amnesty International has exposed a coordinated effort by Indonesian authorities, including the military, to use online disinformation to suppress dissent and intimidate critics of the government. A new report, “Building up Imaginary Enemies”, details how state and state-aligned actors have weaponized misinformation to label activists, journalists, and human rights defenders as “foreign agents,” creating a climate of fear and silencing public debate.

The Scope of the Disinformation Campaign

The report, published on May 19, 2026, examines the first 18 months of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. It highlights a pattern of disinformation targeting individuals who speak out against government policies. These campaigns, often orchestrated through military-connected social media accounts, aim to discredit critics by accusing them of being “foreign agents,” a tactic designed to shift public focus away from legitimate grievances and justify repression.

“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 in Amplifying Harmful Content

The report also criticizes major social media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, for failing to adequately address the spread of harmful disinformation. Despite the clear risks posed by these campaigns, the platforms have allowed content that incites violence and intimidation to remain online, according to Amnesty International.

“Online slurs precede intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents,” the report states. “The rapid dissemination of disinformation on these platforms has exacerbated tensions, enabling authorities to justify crackdowns on peaceful activism.”

Human Rights Impacts and Broader Implications

The disinformation campaigns have had a chilling effect on free expression in Indonesia. Activists and journalists report increased surveillance, harassment, and threats, with some facing physical violence. The report underscores how these tactics align with broader efforts to consolidate power and suppress opposition.

Amnesty International’s findings add to a growing body of evidence about the intersection of digital disinformation and human rights abuses. The organization calls on tech companies to take immediate action to remove harmful content and collaborate with civil society to protect vulnerable communities.

Call to Action and Future Outlook

The report urges the Indonesian government to end its reliance on disinformation as a tool of repression and to uphold its obligations under international human rights law. It also emphasizes the need for greater accountability for social media platforms, which have a responsibility to prevent their services from being used to incite violence or suppress dissent.

As the situation evolves, ongoing monitoring and advocacy will be critical to ensuring that Indonesia’s citizens can exercise their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly without fear of retaliation.