Amnesty International documented coordinated disinformation campaigns in Indonesia, targeting activists and journalists as “foreign agents” under President Prabowo Subianto’s government, amid concerns over escalating repression and tech companies’ inaction.
Indonesia’s Disinformation Tactics Under Prabowo
Amnesty International’s May 19, 2026, report “Building up Imaginary Enemies” revealed systematic efforts by Indonesian authorities, including the military, to suppress dissent through online disinformation. The campaign labels critics as “foreign agents,” a tactic aimed at discrediting activists, journalists, and academics. This strategy, according to the report, has fueled intimidation and violence against dissidents while stifling public debate.
The report highlights that military-linked social media accounts have played a central role in spreading these narratives. Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, stated that such disinformation serves to “consolidate the government’s power when public criticism intensifies, while demonizing and weakening those who dare to speak out.” The organization emphasized that tech platforms like Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube have failed to adequately address the proliferation of harmful content.
Link Between Online Harassment and Offline Violence
The report examines the connection between digital disinformation and physical violence, noting that online slurs often precede real-world intimidation. It documents cases where activists and journalists faced threats, harassment, and, in some instances, violent attacks following coordinated smear campaigns. Amnesty International argues that these tactics create a “chilling effect,” discouraging public participation in democratic discourse.
“Authoritarian practices have accelerated in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s government,” Callamard said. “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.”
Tech Companies’ Role in Amplifying Harm
Amnesty International criticized major social media platforms for allowing harmful disinformation to remain online. The organization called on Meta, TikTok, X, and YouTube to take stronger measures to remove content that incites violence or spreads false narratives. A 2026 Reuters report corroborated these findings, noting that Indonesian authorities, including the military, used online disinformation campaigns to brand critics as “foreign agents.”
The report also highlighted the lack of accountability for tech companies, which have faced repeated calls to enforce stricter content moderation policies. Amnesty International’s analysis found that these platforms’ algorithms often prioritize engagement over safety, enabling disinformation to spread rapidly and reach wide audiences.
Broader Implications for Human Rights
The findings underscore a broader pattern of human rights erosion in Indonesia, where dissent is increasingly met with state-sanctioned intimidation. The report warns that the use of disinformation as a political tool threatens the country’s democratic institutions and civil liberties. It also raises concerns about the role of foreign actors, as the “foreign agent” label is frequently used to deflect attention from domestic grievances.
Amnesty International has urged the Indonesian government to cease its disinformation campaigns and protect the rights of activists and journalists. The organization also called on international bodies to pressure tech companies to uphold their responsibility to prevent the spread of harmful content.
Context and Ongoing Concerns
The May 2026 report is part of a growing body of evidence suggesting that Indonesia’s approach to dissent has become more repressive under Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. A Japan Times article from May 20, 2026, noted that Amnesty International’s findings reflect concerns about Indonesia’s democratic backsliding, with the military playing an increasingly visible role in shaping public discourse. The report aligns with previous warnings about the erosion of press freedom and the targeting of civil society in the country.
While the specific claims about China’s alleged travel restrictions on AI experts were not verified by the sources provided, the available material highlights a distinct but equally alarming trend in Indonesia. The interplay between state-sponsored disinformation, tech company inaction, and human rights abuses remains a critical issue for global observers.