Amnesty International Reports Coordinated Disinformation Campaigns Targeting Indonesian Activists and Journalists
Amnesty International has released a report detailing how Indonesia’s military and government authorities are using disinformation campaigns to suppress dissent, branding activists, journalists, and academics as “foreign agents.” The report, titled *Building Up Imaginary Enemies*, highlights a systematic effort to silence critics and justify repression under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, according to the organization’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard.
“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s government,” Callamard said. “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—while social media companies sit back and let it happen.”
Targeting Dissent Through Online Slurs and Violent Intimidation
The report reveals that military-connected social media accounts are deploying coordinated disinformation to attack activists and journalists. Online slurs and false narratives often precede real-world intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents. These campaigns aim to delegitimize legitimate activism and shift public focus away from pressing social and political issues.
“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 added. “This disinformation is a political weapon, deployed to consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies.”
Social Media Platforms Face Criticism for Enabling Harmful Content
Tech giants such as Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have been criticized for allowing harmful disinformation to spread unchecked. The report notes that these platforms have failed to adequately address the proliferation of content designed to intimidate and discredit critics of the government.
Amnesty International’s research found that harmful narratives often go unmoderated, enabling a climate of fear and self-censorship. “The tech companies’ inaction exacerbates the problem, creating a dangerous environment where dissent is not only silenced but criminalized,” the report states.
Impact on Activists and the Broader Democratic Landscape
The disinformation campaigns have had a chilling effect on free expression in Indonesia. Journalists and activists report increased surveillance, harassment, and threats, with some facing physical violence. The report warns that these tactics threaten the country’s democratic institutions and the rights of its citizens.
“This is not just about silencing a few voices—it’s about dismantling the foundation of public debate and accountability,” said Callamard. “When critics are labeled as foreign agents, it undermines trust in the democratic process and erodes the rule of law.”
Call to Action for Tech Companies and International Bodies
Amnesty International is urging social media platforms to take immediate steps to curb the spread of disinformation and protect human rights defenders. The organization also calls on international bodies to hold Indonesian authorities accountable for their role in suppressing dissent.
“The world cannot remain silent while authoritarian tactics are deployed under the guise of national security,” the report concludes. “Protecting free speech and human rights requires urgent action from all stakeholders.”