Rising Concerns: Amnesty International Report Highlights State-Sponsored Disinformation in Indonesia

In a newly released report, Amnesty International has raised significant alarms regarding the use of coordinated online disinformation campaigns by Indonesian authorities. The report, titled “Building Up Imaginary Enemies,” details how these campaigns are systematically employed to discredit government critics, including journalists and activists, by labeling them as “foreign agents.”

The Mechanics of Disinformation

According to the findings published by Amnesty International on May 19, 2026, these digital tactics are not merely fringe activities but appear to be driven by social media accounts with affiliations to military units and the Gerindra party. By branding dissenters with inflammatory labels, these campaigns aim to stifle public debate and justify broader forms of repression.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, stated that in the 18 months since President Prabowo Subianto took power, online disinformation has emerged as a primary tactic to systematically discredit critics and shut down public discourse. The organization notes that these online efforts have had real-world consequences, occasionally leading to physical threats and violence against those targeted.

A Shift Toward Authoritarianism

The report underscores growing international concern regarding the state of democracy in Indonesia. As the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia is facing scrutiny over what observers describe as a backsliding toward army rule. President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander, has been noted for expanding the military’s influence in civilian affairs since his inauguration in 2024.

The implications of these findings are profound for civil society. When digital platforms are weaponized to harass individuals for their political views or investigative work, the fundamental right to freedom of expression is severely compromised. Amnesty International has been critical of social media platforms as well, noting their failure to adequately curb the spread of this harmful content.

Key Takeaways

• Systematic Targeting: Authorities and affiliated groups are using disinformation to frame activists and journalists as “foreign agents.”
• Military Involvement: The report identifies links between the disinformation campaigns and specific military units.
• Democratic Backsliding: The rise of these tactics coincides with an expansion of military involvement in civilian governance under the current administration.
• Real-World Impact: Online harassment has escalated into tangible threats and physical safety concerns for government critics.

Looking Ahead

The report from Amnesty International serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of digital rights in an era of state-sponsored disinformation. As the international community monitors the situation, the focus remains on whether the Indonesian government will address these allegations of state-led harassment. For now, the report stands as a formal documentation of the challenges facing those who seek to maintain transparency and accountability in the current political climate.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the report “Building Up Imaginary Enemies” published by Amnesty International. As of May 22, 2026, neither the office of President Prabowo Subianto nor the Indonesian military have provided an official response to these specific allegations.