Indonesian authorities used fake news to brand critics as ‘foreign agents’: Amnesty

Amnesty International reported on Tuesday that Indonesian authorities, including the military, employed online disinformation campaigns to label activists and journalists as "foreign agents." This tactic was used to silence dissent and, in some instances, resulted in physical threats. The report, titled "Building Up Imaginary Enemies," suggests these actions reflect growing concerns about Indonesia's democratic trajectory under President Prabowo Subianto, who has increased the military's involvement in civilian matters since taking office in 2024. Amnesty International's Secretary General stated that online disinformation has become a primary method to discredit critics, suppress public debate, and legitimize repression over the past 18 months.