Digital Repression: The Rise of State-Sponsored Disinformation in Indonesia

In the 18 months following the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia has witnessed a troubling shift in its digital landscape. According to a recent report by Amnesty International, state and state-aligned actors are increasingly weaponizing mis- and disinformation to systematically silence dissent, discredit critics, and justify repression.

The report, titled “Building up imaginary enemies,” details a calculated strategy of digital intimidation that targets journalists, activists, academics, and protesters. By branding these individuals as “foreign agents,” authorities are effectively shifting the narrative away from legitimate public grievances and toward a manufactured atmosphere of suspicion.

The Weaponization of the Digital Space

The research highlights a growing pattern where online disinformation serves as a precursor to offline violence and intimidation. When public criticism of the government intensifies, military-connected social media accounts often launch coordinated campaigns to demonize those speaking out.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, emphasized the severity of these tactics: “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.”

This digital strategy functions as a political weapon designed to consolidate government power. By labeling human rights defenders and journalists as threats to national stability, the state creates an environment where intimidation and harassment become normalized tools of governance.

The Role of Tech Platforms

A significant portion of the report focuses on the responsibility of global social media companies. Amnesty International notes that platforms including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have allowed harmful content to spread rapidly, often failing to intervene even as targeted disinformation campaigns fuel real-world harms.

The report assesses the chilling effect these campaigns have on civil society. When activists fear that online criticism will lead to professional or physical retaliation, the space for public debate shrinks. The failure of tech giants to moderate this content effectively allows state actors to continue these operations with minimal friction.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Discrediting: Government-aligned actors are using disinformation to label critics as “foreign agents” to undermine their credibility.
• Link to Offline Harm: There is a documented connection between online disinformation campaigns and subsequent instances of intimidation and violence against dissidents.
• Platform Accountability: Major social media companies are under scrutiny for allowing harmful, state-aligned disinformation to proliferate on their platforms.
• Erosion of Rights: These authoritarian practices are stifling freedom of expression and public debate in Indonesia.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Indonesia serves as a stark reminder of how digital platforms can be exploited to erode democratic norms. As the government continues its current trajectory, the role of independent monitoring and the pressure on tech companies to enforce their own safety policies remain critical.

The findings from Amnesty International underscore a broader global challenge: protecting the digital space from state-sponsored manipulation. Without increased transparency and accountability from both governments and the tech industry, the trend of silencing dissent through digital disinformation threatens to further destabilize the rights of journalists and activists across the region.