Disinformation Campaigns Targeting Dissent in Indonesia
Amnesty International reports that the Indonesian government is increasingly using coordinated online disinformation campaigns to silence journalists, activists, and academics. According to a report published by the organization on May 19, 2026, authorities and military-connected social media accounts systematically label government critics as “foreign agents” to justify intimidation and suppress public debate under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto.
How Disinformation Silences Critics
The report, titled Building up Imaginary Enemies, highlights a pattern of behavior that has emerged in the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took power. According to Amnesty International, disinformation serves as a political weapon used to consolidate government power whenever public criticism intensifies. By branding protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders as “foreign agents,” authorities shift the focus away from legitimate public grievances. These online slurs often act as a precursor to physical intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents.
The Role of Social Media Platforms
Tech companies are facing scrutiny for their role in the spread of this content. Amnesty International asserts that platforms including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have allowed harmful disinformation to remain online, facilitating its rapid spread. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, stated that the government’s authoritarian practices have accelerated, noting that “online disinformation has emerged as a key tactic to systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate and justify repression—all while social media companies sit back and let it happen.”
Key Details of the Amnesty International Report
- Primary Tactic: The use of coordinated social media campaigns to discredit critics as “foreign agents.”
- Timeline: The trend has been documented over the 18 months following President Prabowo Subianto’s rise to power.
- Targets: Journalists, academics, human rights defenders, and protesters.
- Consequence: The normalization of online slurs, which frequently precedes real-world intimidation and violence.
What Happens Next
The ongoing use of these tactics suggests a strategy to weaken opposition voices and minimize accountability. As these disinformation campaigns continue, the impact on civil society in Indonesia remains a significant concern for human rights observers. Amnesty International’s findings emphasize the necessity for both the Indonesian government to respect freedom of expression and for social media companies to take more effective action against the proliferation of harmful, politically motivated disinformation.