Indonesian Authorities Use Disinformation to Silence Dissent, Amnesty International Reports

Amnesty International has exposed a coordinated effort by Indonesian authorities, including military-linked entities, to suppress dissent through disinformation campaigns. These efforts, detailed in the organization’s report “Building up Imaginary Enemies”, target journalists, activists, academics, and protesters by branding them as “foreign agents” to discredit their work and justify repression.

State-Linked Disinformation Campaigns

The report reveals that since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024, online disinformation has become a central tool for silencing critics. Military-connected social media accounts systematically spread false narratives, framing legitimate activists and journalists as foreign operatives. This strategy, Amnesty International argues, aims to shift public focus away from genuine grievances and consolidate government power.

“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo’s government,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. “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.”

Role of Social Media Platforms

Platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have been criticized for failing to curb the spread of harmful disinformation. Amnesty International’s research found that these companies allow false content to remain online, amplifying the government’s messaging and enabling intimidation tactics against dissenters.

“Tech giants sit back and let it happen,” Callamard added. “This disinformation fuels violence and intimidation, creating a chilling effect on free expression.”

Human Rights Implications

The report highlights a direct link between online disinformation and offline violence. Activists and journalists targeted by these campaigns have faced intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, physical attacks. Amnesty International emphasizes that such tactics violate international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

“Branding protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders as ‘foreign agents’ is a deliberate attempt to delegitimize their work and stifle public debate,” the report states. “This undermines democratic processes and erodes trust in institutions.”

Calls for Accountability

Amnesty International is urging the Indonesian government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these disinformation campaigns. The organization also demands that tech companies implement stricter content moderation policies to prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.

“The international community must pressure Indonesia to uphold its human rights obligations,” said Callamard. “Silencing dissent through disinformation is not just a violation of rights—it’s a threat to democracy itself.”

Conclusion

The findings from Amnesty International underscore a troubling trend in Indonesia, where disinformation is weaponized to suppress voices critical of the government. As the report concludes, the erosion of free speech and the targeting of activists pose a significant threat to human rights and democratic integrity. Without immediate action, the cycle of repression and intimidation is likely to continue.