Digital Repression: The Rising Use of Disinformation Against Indonesian Activists

In the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took office, the Indonesian digital landscape has become an increasingly hostile environment for civil society. According to a new report from Amnesty International, state and state-aligned actors are systematically weaponizing disinformation to silence dissent, discredit critics, and justify repression.

The Strategy of “Imaginary Enemies”

The report, titled Building up Imaginary Enemies, highlights a troubling pattern: when public criticism of the government intensifies, authorities deploy coordinated disinformation campaigns. These campaigns frequently label journalists, human rights defenders, academics, and protesters as “foreign agents.”

This tactic serves two primary purposes. First, it acts as a political weapon designed to consolidate government power by demonizing those who speak out. Second, it serves as a precursor to real-world consequences. Amnesty International’s research indicates that these online slurs often precede intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, noted the severity of the situation, stating, “Amnesty’s research shows that 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.”

The Role of Tech Giants

A significant portion of the critique is directed at major social media platforms, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Amnesty International asserts that these companies have allowed harmful, coordinated disinformation to spread rapidly across their networks. By failing to effectively moderate this content, these tech giants have, in effect, allowed their platforms to be used as tools for state-sponsored harassment.

The report underscores that this is not merely a matter of online discourse but a human rights crisis. The proliferation of such content creates a “chilling effect,” discouraging legitimate activism and expression out of fear of state retaliation.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Discrediting: Disinformation is being used to frame government critics as “foreign agents” to undermine their credibility.
• Offline Impact: Online harassment campaigns are directly linked to a rise in offline intimidation and physical violence against activists.
• Platform Responsibility: Major social media companies are under fire for failing to curb the spread of state-aligned disinformation campaigns.
• Escalating Authoritarianism: The use of these digital tactics is characterized by experts as a clear acceleration of authoritarian practices within Indonesia.

Looking Ahead

As the Indonesian government continues to consolidate power, the space for civil society remains under severe threat. Amnesty International’s findings emphasize the urgent need for greater accountability from both the Indonesian authorities and the social media platforms that facilitate the reach of these disinformation campaigns. Without significant intervention, the weaponization of digital narratives threatens to permanently alter the landscape of political expression in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of these disinformation campaigns?
The primary goal, according to Amnesty International, is to consolidate government power by silencing dissent, discrediting critics, and shifting public focus away from legitimate grievances.

Who is being targeted by these campaigns?
Targets include journalists, human rights defenders, academics, and protesters who engage in public criticism of the current administration.

How are social media platforms involved?
The report identifies Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube as platforms where harmful disinformation is allowed to spread, often without sufficient moderation to prevent the targeting of activists.