Indonesia’s Military and Government Use Disinformation to Target Critics

Indonesian authorities, including the military, are deploying coordinated online disinformation campaigns to brand journalists, activists, and academics as “foreign agents.” According to a May 19, 2026, report by Amnesty International, these campaigns aim to silence dissent and justify repression. The report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies,” highlights that these tactics have intensified in the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took office.

How Disinformation Campaigns Target Dissenters

The disinformation efforts utilize social media accounts that appear affiliated with military units and President Prabowo’s Gerindra party, as reported by Reuters. By labeling government critics as “foreign agents,” these campaigns deliberately shift public focus away from legitimate grievances. This strategy is designed to demonize individuals who speak out, effectively shutting down public debate.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, stated that online disinformation has emerged as a key tactic to systematically discredit critics and justify repression. This pattern of behavior has led to real-world consequences, including physical threats and violence against journalists and human rights defenders.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Tech giants—including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube—have faced criticism for allowing harmful content to remain online. According to Amnesty International, these platforms have failed to curb the spread of disinformation that facilitates the intimidation of activists. While these companies host the content, the campaigns continue to serve as a political weapon intended to consolidate government power during periods of heightened public criticism.

Broader Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding

The recent findings have sparked concerns regarding the state of democracy in Indonesia, which is the world’s third-largest democracy. Since taking office in 2024, President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander, has expanded the military’s role in civilian affairs. The use of disinformation to suppress opposition is viewed by rights groups as a significant indicator of backsliding toward army rule.

Summary of Findings

• Primary Tactic: Coordinated social media campaigns branding critics as “foreign agents.”
• Reported Affiliations: Accounts linked to military units and the Gerindra party.
• Impact: Increased physical threats, intimidation, and the silencing of public debate.
• Platform Responsibility: Major social media companies are accused of failing to remove harmful disinformation.

As of June 7, 2026, neither President Prabowo’s office nor the Indonesian military have provided a response to these allegations. The situation remains a critical point of tension for human rights observers monitoring the political climate under the current administration.