Digital Repression: Indonesia’s Growing Use of Disinformation Against Critics

In a concerning development for civil society, recent reports have highlighted an intensifying pattern of state-led digital intimidation in Indonesia. Under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, authorities and state-aligned actors are increasingly utilizing coordinated disinformation campaigns to target journalists, activists, academics and protesters.

Amnesty International’s latest report, titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies,” details how these tactics have evolved over the first 18 months of the current administration. By systematically branding government critics as “foreign agents,” authorities are effectively shrinking the space for public debate and dissent.

The Mechanics of Online Disinformation

The strategy employed by state-aligned actors is designed to silence opposition through a combination of digital labeling and real-world consequences. According to Amnesty International, the deployment of online disinformation acts as a political weapon intended to consolidate government power during periods of heightened public criticism.

The process typically follows a predictable, dangerous trajectory:

• Labeling: Critics are tagged as “foreign agents” or enemies of the state on social media platforms.
• Amplification: Military-connected accounts and coordinated networks push these narratives to maximize reach.
• Intimidation: The digital character assassination often serves as a precursor to offline harassment, threats, and physical violence against dissidents.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, noted that these authoritarian practices have accelerated significantly under the current government. “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 Tech Giants

The report also raises critical questions regarding the responsibility of major social media platforms. Platforms including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have faced scrutiny for allowing harmful content to propagate across their networks.

By failing to effectively moderate coordinated campaigns that incite violence and silence human rights defenders, these companies are accused of enabling a climate of repression. The ease with which disinformation spreads allows authorities to shift public focus away from legitimate grievances and toward manufactured narratives about national threats.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Targeting: Disinformation is being used as a deliberate tool to neutralize journalists, academics, and activists.
• The “Foreign Agent” Narrative: Branding critics as foreign actors is a primary method used to delegitimize human rights work.
• Offline Impact: Online slurs and coordinated attacks are directly linked to an increase in physical intimidation and violence against dissidents.
• Platform Responsibility: Social media companies face growing pressure to curb the spread of state-sponsored disinformation that facilitates human rights abuses.

Looking Ahead

The findings from Amnesty International underscore a pivotal moment for Indonesian democracy. As the government continues to employ these digital tactics, the international community and technology companies face increasing pressure to address the underlying mechanisms of this repression. Protecting the freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of those who speak out against the state remain urgent priorities for the future of civil society in the region.