Indonesia’s Military-Linked Disinformation Campaigns Target Activists and Journalists

Amnesty International has revealed a coordinated effort by Indonesian authorities, including the military, to use online disinformation campaigns to suppress dissent and intimidate critics. The report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies,” highlights how government officials and their allies have branded activists, journalists and human rights defenders as “foreign agents” to discredit their work and silence public debate.

The Rise of Disinformation as a Political Tool

Since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024, Amnesty International’s research shows a significant escalation in the use of disinformation to consolidate power. The report details how military-connected social media accounts have spread harmful content, often preceding physical threats and violent attacks against dissenters. These campaigns, according to the organization, aim to “systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate, and justify repression.”

“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s government,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “By branding protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders as ‘foreign agents,’ Indonesia’s authorities and their supporters are deliberately shifting attention away from people’s legitimate grievances.”

Role of Social Media Platforms

The report criticizes major tech companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, for failing to curb the spread of harmful disinformation. These platforms have allowed content that incites violence and spreads false narratives to remain online, amplifying the government’s messaging. Amnesty International argues that this inaction enables the repression of free speech and undermines democratic discourse.

“The disinformation is a political weapon,” Callamard added. “It’s deployed to consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, while demonizing and weakening those who dare to speak out.”

Impact on Civil Society

The campaigns have had a chilling effect on activists and journalists, many of whom report facing intimidation, harassment, and threats. The report notes that online slurs often precede real-world violence, creating an environment of fear that stifles free expression. Military units and Prabowo’s Gerindra party are alleged to be behind the coordinated efforts, though neither the president’s office nor the military has publicly commented on the findings.

Amnesty International’s research underscores a broader trend of authoritarian backsliding in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy. The organization calls on tech companies to take immediate action to remove harmful content and for international bodies to hold Indonesian authorities accountable for human rights violations.

Call to Action

Amnesty International urges governments, civil society, and tech platforms to collaborate on solutions that protect free expression while curbing the spread of disinformation. “This is not just about Indonesia,” Callamard said. “It’s a warning for democracies worldwide about the dangers of allowing authoritarian tactics to flourish in the digital age.”

As the situation evolves, the role of social media in shaping public discourse and political power remains a critical issue. The international community is increasingly watching how Indonesia balances its democratic principles with the growing influence of disinformation campaigns.