Digital Repression: The Rise of Disinformation Campaigns in Indonesia

In the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took office, the Indonesian government has increasingly utilized online disinformation as a strategic tool to suppress dissent. A recent report by Amnesty International, titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies,” details how state and state-aligned actors are systematically deploying coordinated disinformation campaigns to discredit journalists, activists, academics and protesters.

The Mechanics of Online Disinformation

The report highlights a growing pattern of state-sponsored efforts to silence public criticism. By utilizing social media platforms, authorities and their supporters frequently brand government critics as “foreign agents.” This tactic serves to shift public discourse away from legitimate grievances and toward manufactured narratives that portray dissenters as threats to national stability.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, noted that these authoritarian practices have accelerated under the current administration. According to Callamard, disinformation serves as a political weapon designed to consolidate government power by demonizing those who speak out, effectively shutting down public debate.

The Link Between Online Harassment and Offline Violence

The impact of these digital campaigns extends far beyond the screen. Amnesty International’s research establishes a clear link between online slurs and subsequent intimidation or physical attacks against dissidents. When activists are labeled as foreign agents in the digital space, it often serves as a precursor to real-world retaliation, creating a chilling effect on civil society.

The report underscores that this environment of repression is fueled by the failure of major technology companies to address harmful content. Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have been criticized for allowing coordinated disinformation campaigns to spread rapidly across their platforms, often remaining online despite their role in inciting harassment and violence.

Key Takeaways on Digital Human Rights

• Systematic Targeting: Disinformation is being used as a deliberate tactic to discredit human rights defenders and journalists.
• Escalation to Violence: Online disinformation campaigns frequently precede offline intimidation and physical attacks against government critics.
• Corporate Responsibility: Social media platforms are currently failing to adequately moderate content that fuels political repression and human rights abuses.
• Shrinking Civic Space: The branding of critics as “foreign agents” is a recurring theme used to justify state repression and weaken public opposition.

Moving Forward

The findings from Amnesty International paint a concerning picture of the state of human rights in Indonesia. As the government continues to employ these digital strategies to consolidate power, the international community and technology companies face increasing pressure to intervene. Protecting the freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of those who challenge the status quo remains a critical challenge for the nation’s democratic health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary role of disinformation in the current Indonesian political climate?

Disinformation is being used by state and state-aligned actors to discredit government critics, including journalists and activists, by labeling them as “foreign agents” to undermine their legitimacy and justify state repression.

How does online disinformation affect real-world safety?

Amnesty International has identified a pattern where online harassment campaigns—such as the spreading of slurs—precede physical intimidation and violence against dissidents.

What role do social media companies play in this issue?

The report indicates that platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have allowed harmful, coordinated disinformation to persist on their platforms, contributing to the escalation of human rights harms.