Indonesian Military Linked to Coordinated Disinformation Campaigns Targeting Critics

Indonesian authorities, including elements of the military, have increasingly deployed coordinated online disinformation campaigns to discredit journalists, activists, and academics, according to a report published by Amnesty International on May 19, 2026. These digital tactics, which include labeling government critics as “foreign agents,” have been used to systematically shut down public debate and justify state repression during the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took office.

The Mechanics of Online Repression

The Amnesty International report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies,” details how disinformation acts as a political weapon to consolidate government power. The campaign typically involves social media accounts that appear to be affiliated with military units and the Gerindra party, the political organization led by President Prabowo Subianto. These accounts propagate slurs and false narratives, which often serve as a precursor to physical intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, stated that online disinformation has emerged as a key tactic under the current administration. “In the 18 months since Prabowo took power, online disinformation has emerged as a key tactic to systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate and justify repression,” Callamard noted in an official statement.

Impact on Democratic Freedoms

The findings have intensified concerns regarding the state of democracy in Indonesia, which is currently the world’s third-largest democracy. Observers suggest the country is experiencing a backsliding toward army rule, particularly as the former special forces commander has expanded the military’s involvement in civilian affairs since his 2024 inauguration. By framing protesters and human rights defenders as “foreign agents,” authorities are effectively shifting public attention away from legitimate grievances and toward manufactured threats.

The human rights organization also criticized major social media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, for failing to adequately address the spread of harmful content. Despite the documented pattern of abuse, these platforms have allowed the disinformation to remain, providing a digital space for the continued demonization of those who speak out against the government.

Institutional Response

The systematic use of disinformation has created a chilling effect on Indonesian civil society. As of May 19, 2026, neither the office of President Prabowo Subianto nor the Indonesian military had provided a response to requests for comment regarding the allegations presented in the Amnesty International report. The report serves as a formal documentation of the growing pattern of state-sponsored digital hostility, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking to maintain freedom of expression in an increasingly restrictive political environment.