The Rise of Disinformation as a Political Tool in Indonesia

Amnesty International reports that the Indonesian government, under President Prabowo Subianto, is increasingly utilizing coordinated disinformation campaigns to silence dissent. According to a report published on May 19, 2026, authorities and military-connected social media accounts are systematically branding journalists, activists, and academics as “foreign agents” to discredit criticism and justify state repression.

How Disinformation Silences Dissent

The report, titled *Building up Imaginary Enemies*, details a pattern of behavior that has emerged during the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took power. According to Amnesty International, online disinformation is being deployed as a deliberate political weapon. By labeling protesters and human rights defenders as “foreign agents,” the government shifts public focus away from legitimate grievances and toward manufactured threats.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, stated that authoritarian practices have accelerated under the current administration. According to Callamard, the disinformation serves to consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, effectively demonizing those who speak out to weaken their influence.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

A significant concern highlighted by Amnesty International is the role of major technology companies in facilitating this environment. The organization reports that platforms including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have allowed harmful content to spread rapidly without sufficient intervention.

According to the report, these platforms have permitted disinformation to remain online even as it precedes real-world consequences. Amnesty International notes that the online slurs and campaigns documented in their research often act as precursors to intimidation and violent attacks against dissidents.

Key Findings on Repression Tactics

The research identifies several tactical trends in the current Indonesian political climate:

* Targeted Harassment: Military-connected accounts are specifically identified as sources of disinformation targeting activists and journalists.
* Retaliatory Action: Repression is often triggered in direct response to legitimate activism, academic research, or public protests.
* Systemic Discredit: The use of the “foreign agent” label is a recurring tactic designed to shut down public debate and justify further state action against critics.

Future Outlook for Human Rights

The situation in Indonesia remains a point of concern for international observers monitoring human rights and freedom of expression. As the government continues to employ these digital strategies, the ability of journalists and activists to operate without fear of retaliation is increasingly compromised. Amnesty International’s documentation suggests that as long as social media companies do not take effective action to curb the spread of coordinated disinformation, this political weapon will likely continue to suppress public discourse and weaken the position of those challenging the administration.