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May 19, 2026 – Indonesia –
Amnesty International has accused Indonesian authorities, including military-linked networks, of orchestrating online disinformation campaigns aimed at silencing journalists, activists, and government critics by portraying them as “foreign agents.”
The allegations were outlined in a new Amnesty report titled Building Up Imaginary Enemies, which claims coordinated online attacks have intensified since President Prabowo Subianto took office in 2024. According to Amnesty, social media accounts connected to military units and members of Prabowo’s Gerindra party amplified false narratives accusing civil society groups, journalists, and protesters of acting on behalf of foreign interests.
Amnesty Secretary General Agnes Callamard said the campaigns were being used to suppress criticism and weaken public debate. The organization argued that online disinformation had evolved into a political tool that contributes to intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, physical violence against dissidents.
One case highlighted in the report involved human rights activist Andrie Yunus, who protested against expanding military involvement in civilian affairs. Amnesty said coordinated social media campaigns falsely branded him and other activists as foreign-backed actors shortly before Yunus later became the victim of an acid attack allegedly carried out by military personnel now facing trial.
The report also referenced intimidation targeting the investigative magazine Tempo, which Amnesty said faced coordinated accusations of serving foreign interests. Earlier this year, the publication reportedly received animal carcasses in what media groups described as an intimidation attempt against independent journalism.
Amnesty further criticized major technology companies, including Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube, arguing that weak moderation policies allowed harmful disinformation to spread widely across social media platforms. The rights group said many posts targeting journalists and activists remained online for extended periods despite complaints and public concern.
Neither Indonesia’s presidential office nor the military immediately responded to the accusations. The allegations have fueled broader concerns among rights organizations that Indonesia is experiencing democratic backsliding and increased pressure on civil society under the current administration.
Reference –
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/05/20/2003857637
