Indonesia’s Military-Backed Disinformation Campaigns Target Activists, Warns Amnesty International
Amnesty International has issued a stark warning about the escalating use of disinformation campaigns by Indonesian authorities to suppress dissent, particularly targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. The report, titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies”, highlights how state-linked actors are leveraging social media to label critics as “foreign agents,” creating a climate of fear and intimidation under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
The Mechanisms of Disinformation
The report reveals a coordinated effort by military-connected social media accounts to spread false narratives, often preceding physical intimidation or violent attacks against dissidents. These campaigns, according to Amnesty International, aim to “systematically discredit government critics, shut down public debate, and justify repression.”
Secretary General Agnès Callamard emphasized that the tactics employed by Indonesian authorities represent an “authoritarian practice accelerated under Prabowo Subianto’s government.” The research, conducted over 18 months since his 2024 inauguration, underscores a troubling pattern of using online disinformation to consolidate power while silencing opposition.
Tech Giants Face Criticism for Inaction
Amnesty International also criticized major technology companies, including Meta, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, for failing to curb the spread of harmful content. The report argues that these platforms have enabled disinformation to proliferate unchecked, allowing “online slurs” to fuel real-world violence against activists and journalists.
“By branding protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders as ‘foreign agents,’ Indonesia’s authorities and their supporters are deliberately shifting attention away from people’s legitimate grievances,” Callamard stated. The report calls on tech firms to take immediate action to remove content that incites violence or spreads falsehoods.
Context: Prabowo Subianto’s Controversial Legacy
President Prabowo Subianto’s tenure has drawn scrutiny due to his historical role in Indonesia’s 1976 invasion of East Timor, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses. Amnesty International’s 2024 analysis highlighted how his administration has continued to suppress dissent, with the current disinformation campaigns seen as an extension of this pattern.
The organization has urged the international community to hold Indonesia accountable for its crackdown on free expression, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. “The international community must act to safeguard press freedom,” the report stresses, noting that Ethiopia’s recent challenges with media repression serve as a cautionary example.
Implications for Human Rights and Democracy
The report paints a grim picture of Indonesia’s democratic resilience, with disinformation campaigns eroding public trust and stifling civic engagement. Amnesty International’s findings align with broader concerns about the global rise of authoritarian tactics, including the weaponization of social media to manipulate public opinion.
As the organization continues to monitor the situation, it remains critical of both state actors and tech companies for their role in enabling this environment. “This disinformation is a political weapon,” Callamard said. “It consolidates power while demonizing those who dare to speak out.”
Looking Ahead
The coming months will be pivotal for Indonesia’s human rights landscape. Pressure from international bodies, civil society, and tech watchdogs may force greater accountability. However, without decisive action from platforms and governments alike, the cycle of repression risks deepening, with severe consequences for freedom of expression and democratic norms.