Indonesia’s Disinformation Campaigns Target Activists, Amnesty International Reports

Amnesty International has exposed a coordinated effort by Indonesian authorities, including the military, to suppress dissent through disinformation campaigns that label critics as “foreign agents,” according to a report published on May 19, 2026. The findings highlight escalating authoritarian tactics under President Prabowo Subianto, with online slurs preceding intimidation and violent attacks against activists, journalists, and academics.

Report Details Systematic Disinformation Tactics

The report, titled Building Up Imaginary Enemies, reveals that Indonesian authorities have used military-connected social media accounts to spread disinformation targeting government critics. This strategy, Amnesty International argues, aims to “systematically discredit” activists and shut down public debate. The report underscores that such tactics have intensified in the 18 months since Prabowo took office.

“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,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General. The report specifically cites the use of social media platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube to amplify harmful content, which the tech giants have failed to adequately address.

Impact on Dissent and Freedom of Expression

The disinformation campaigns have created a climate of fear, with online slurs often preceding real-world intimidation and violence. Activists and journalists report increased surveillance and harassment, while academic institutions face pressure to self-censor. The report notes that these tactics align with broader patterns of repression under Subianto’s administration, including crackdowns on protests and restrictions on civil liberties.

“Branding protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders as ‘foreign agents’ is a deliberate attempt to shift focus from legitimate grievances,” Callamard added. The report also criticizes the lack of accountability for those spreading disinformation, calling on the Indonesian government to protect free expression and hold perpetrators accountable.

Call for Tech Companies to Act

Amnesty International has urged social media platforms to take stronger measures to curb the spread of disinformation. The report highlights that harmful content persists on platforms like Meta and X, enabling the government’s campaign to silence critics. “While social media companies sit back and let it happen, the human rights situation in Indonesia deteriorates,” the report states.

The organization is calling for immediate action, including transparency in content moderation policies and collaboration with human rights groups to identify and remove harmful material. “The failure of tech giants to act exacerbates the crisis, allowing authoritarian practices to flourish,” the report concludes.

Broader Implications for Human Rights

The findings add to growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in Indonesia. Amnesty International’s report comes amid reports of increased violence against protesters and restrictions on press freedom. The organization has also raised alarms about the treatment of activists in other regions, including Sri Lanka and Mexico, where similar patterns of repression have been observed.

“This is not just about Indonesia—it reflects a global trend of using disinformation to suppress dissent,” said Callamard. The report serves as a warning to governments and tech companies worldwide to prioritize human rights over political interests.