Digital Repression: How Disinformation Targets Critics in Indonesia

Coordinated disinformation campaigns in Indonesia are increasingly branding journalists, activists, and academics as “foreign agents” to silence political dissent. According to a report published by Amnesty International on May 19, 2026, these tactics have become a central strategy for the government under President Prabowo Subianto to weaken public criticism and consolidate power.

How Disinformation Silences Dissent

The use of online disinformation has emerged as a systematic political weapon in the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took office. Authorities, including military-connected social media accounts, utilize targeted slurs and false narratives to intimidate those who challenge government policy. By labeling critics as “foreign agents,” the state and its supporters effectively shift public focus away from legitimate grievances, such as human rights concerns or demands for accountability.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, notes that these authoritarian practices have accelerated under the current administration. “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,” Callamard stated.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

The spread of this harmful content is facilitated by major technology companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Amnesty International reports that these platforms have allowed coordinated disinformation campaigns to remain online, despite the potential for this content to incite real-world intimidation and violence against dissidents. The failure of these companies to moderate such content allows the government to demonize activists while maintaining a veneer of digital legitimacy.

Tactics of Repression

The report, titled Building up Imaginary Enemies, highlights a clear pattern in how the state manages opposition. The process typically follows a predictable trajectory:

• Online Targeting: Military-linked accounts initiate disinformation campaigns against specific activists or journalists.
• Labeling: Critics are branded as “foreign agents” to undermine their credibility with the public.
• Escalation: Digital slurs often precede physical intimidation or violent attacks against the targeted individuals.
• Consolidation: The government uses the resulting atmosphere of fear to suppress further public debate and consolidate institutional power.

Why It Matters

This trend represents a significant shift in how the Indonesian state manages civil society. While previous administrations faced criticism for various human rights issues, the current reliance on digital disinformation marks a modern, scalable approach to silencing dissent. By outsourcing the harassment to social media networks, the government can maintain a distance from the violence while still achieving the goal of neutralizing political opposition. As of June 2026, the ongoing use of these digital tools remains a primary concern for human rights defenders working within the country.