Indonesia’s Military-Linked Disinformation Campaigns Target Critics

Coordinated disinformation campaigns are being used in Indonesia to silence dissent by branding journalists, activists, and academics as “foreign agents.” According to a report published by Amnesty International on May 19, 2026, these efforts involve military-connected social media accounts that spread online slurs, which often precede intimidation and physical violence against government critics.

How Disinformation Functions as a Political Weapon

The report, titled Building up Imaginary Enemies, highlights a pattern of behavior that has intensified since President Prabowo Subianto took office. Within the 18 months following his inauguration, online disinformation has become a primary tactic for the government to discredit those who speak out against official policies. By labeling protesters and human rights defenders as foreign agents, authorities effectively shift public focus away from legitimate grievances and toward manufactured threats.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International, stated that these practices demonstrate an acceleration of authoritarianism in the country. “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,” Callamard said. The research indicates that the military is actively involved in these efforts to justify repression and shut down public debate.

The Role of Social Media Platforms

Large technology companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, face criticism for their role in the spread of this harmful content. According to Amnesty International, these platforms have allowed disinformation to remain online even as it fuels real-world intimidation and attacks against dissidents. Critics argue that by failing to moderate this content, these companies are inadvertently supporting the government’s efforts to consolidate power and silence opposition.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Targeting: Military-linked accounts are systematically targeting academics, journalists, and activists to discredit their work.
• Escalation to Violence: Online slurs and disinformation campaigns are frequently followed by physical intimidation and violent attacks on the ground.
• Platform Responsibility: Major tech giants are being urged to address the rapid spread of state-linked disinformation that bypasses safety protocols.
• Political Context: These tactics have become more prevalent during the 18-month period of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

What Happens Next?

The use of disinformation to stifle expression continues to pose a significant challenge for civil society in Indonesia. As Amnesty International documents these patterns, the focus remains on the government’s use of labeling to justify repression. The persistence of these campaigns suggests that activists and journalists will continue to face high risks as they attempt to conduct their work under the current administration. International observers are monitoring whether tech platforms will adjust their policies to curb the influence of these coordinated campaigns or if the trend of silencing dissent will continue to escalate.