Indonesian Authorities Use Disinformation Campaigns to Silence Activists and Journalists, Amnesty International Reports

Indonesian authorities, including the military, have deployed online disinformation campaigns to label activists and journalists as “foreign agents,” according to a report by Amnesty International. The findings highlight a growing pattern of systemic efforts to suppress dissent and discredit critics, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in the world’s third-largest democracy.

Amnesty International Report Details Disinformation Tactics

The report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies,” reveals that state and state-aligned actors have weaponized misinformation to undermine civil society. Over the first 18 months of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, social media accounts linked to military units and his Gerindra party orchestrated coordinated campaigns to discredit activists, journalists, and opposition figures.

Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, stated, “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.” The report underscores the role of social media platforms in amplifying harmful content, despite growing calls for accountability.

Impact on Activists and Journalists

The disinformation campaigns have led to tangible consequences for individuals and organizations. Activists and journalists reported receiving threats, harassment, and physical violence following the spread of false narratives accusing them of being “foreign agents.” These allegations, often amplified by state-linked accounts, have created a chilling effect on free expression and public discourse.

The report also links online disinformation to offline violence, noting that the stigma generated by these campaigns has contributed to a climate of fear. For example, the killing of opposition figures in Mozambique and the prolonged detention of activists in El Salvador are cited as examples of how disinformation can exacerbate human rights abuses.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

Amnesty International is urging social media companies to take stronger measures to curb the spread of harmful content. The organization also calls on the Indonesian government to investigate the role of military and political actors in these campaigns and to protect the rights of journalists and activists.

“The militarization of information spaces and the targeting of critics with fabricated narratives represent a dangerous shift toward authoritarian practices,” said Callamard. “This is not just a threat to human rights—it is a threat to the integrity of democratic institutions.”

Context and Broader Implications

The report comes amid broader concerns about the concentration of power under Prabowo’s administration. The former special forces commander has expanded the military’s role in civilian affairs since taking office in 2024, raising fears of a return to army-led governance. The disinformation campaigns are seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and suppress opposition.

International observers have criticized Indonesia’s backsliding on democratic norms, with the United Nations and other human rights bodies calling for greater transparency and accountability. The situation underscores the global trend of authoritarian regimes leveraging digital tools to suppress dissent, a phenomenon analyzed in depth by Amnesty International’s research.

Key Takeaways

• Indonesian authorities, including the military, have used disinformation campaigns to label activists and journalists as “foreign agents.”
• The campaigns, detailed in Amnesty International’s report, have led to threats, harassment, and violence against critics.
• Social media platforms have been criticized for failing to curb the spread of harmful content.
• Amnesty International calls for accountability and stronger safeguards to protect civil liberties.

The findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard free expression and combat the weaponization of information in democratic societies.