Amnesty International Reports Coordinated Disinformation Campaigns in Indonesia Targeting Critics
Amnesty International has released a report detailing how Indonesian authorities, including the military, are using coordinated disinformation campaigns to silence dissent and intimidate activists, journalists, and protesters. The report, titled *“Building up Imaginary Enemies,”* reveals that online slurs and false narratives are being weaponized to brand critics as “foreign agents,” escalating threats against those who speak out under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
The report highlights that military-connected social media accounts are actively spreading harmful content, often preceding physical intimidation or violent attacks. This tactic, according to Amnesty International, aims to “systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate, and justify repression.” The organization’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized that these disinformation efforts have accelerated since Prabowo took office 18 months ago, with tech giants like Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube failing to adequately address the spread of harmful content.
How Disinformation Fuels Intimidation and Repression
The report outlines a pattern where Indonesian authorities and their allies use online platforms to amplify false claims, framing legitimate activism as a threat to national security. For example, journalists and human rights defenders are frequently labeled as “foreign agents,” a strategy designed to shift public focus away from genuine grievances and toward manufactured narratives.
“This disinformation is a political weapon, deployed to consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, while demonizing and weakening those who dare to speak out,” Callamard stated. The report notes that such campaigns have led to increased surveillance, harassment, and even physical violence against targeted individuals, with little accountability from authorities.
Role of Social Media Platforms in Amplifying Harm
Amnesty International criticizes major tech companies for allowing disinformation to spread unchecked. Despite repeated warnings, platforms like Meta and TikTok have not implemented sufficient measures to remove harmful content or curb the reach of military-linked accounts. The report calls on these companies to prioritize human rights and cooperate with independent oversight to prevent the misuse of their platforms.
“Social media companies sit back and let it happen,” Callamard said. “This inaction enables authoritarian practices and exacerbates the repression of free expression in Indonesia.” The report urges governments and tech firms to take immediate steps to address the systemic failure to protect users from coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Implications for Free Speech and Democracy
The findings underscore a broader erosion of democratic freedoms in Indonesia, where dissent is increasingly met with state-sanctioned intimidation. Activists and journalists report heightened self-censorship, fearing retaliation for their work. The report warns that without intervention, such tactics could set a dangerous precedent for other nations seeking to suppress opposition.
“Authoritarian practices have accelerated under Prabowo’s government,” the report states. “The use of disinformation to silence critics is not just a violation of human rights—it is a calculated effort to undermine the principles of democracy and free expression.”
As the situation evolves, international observers and human rights organizations are calling for increased scrutiny of Indonesia’s digital governance policies and greater transparency from tech companies. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard online spaces from abuse and ensure that public discourse remains free from political manipulation.