C. Implications of the Situations on Human Rights and Democracy
The most concerning issue in Indonesia’s digital rights landscape in 2025 is the growing
militarization of the state under Prabowo’s administration, which heightens risks across
all aspects of digital rights. This trend suggests that Indonesia is becoming increasingly
authoritarian under his leadership. The government also shows disregard for the rule
of law, as its actions have repeatedly contradicted Constitutional Court rulings. There is
a pressing need to document how digital rights are being affected, particularly in light of
the expanding roles of the armed forces and the police.
Cyber patrols by state authorities to monitor online activities have raised concerns about
the transparency of these efforts, especially regarding the criteria used to determine which
content is considered harmful to national security, including material deemed to spread
“false information” or “incite public unrest.” State-controlled moderation can be used to
suppress dissent, unpopular opinions, or minority viewpoints under the banner of “public
order.”
Allegations that state agencies continue to use buzzers—a practice carried over from Joko
Widodo’s administration—suggest that these networks will remain a political weapon for
gaining advantage through propaganda and disinformation. Under Prabowo’s administration,
media freedom may further erode amid democratic backsliding. In the absence of strong
counter-reporting, such propaganda and disinformation are likely to flourish.
The situation regarding TikTok’s suspension of its own live-streaming features is also
a major concern, as it indicates an erosion of platform accountability in a politically charged
context. A further concern is whether this will set a precedent for future demonstrations
and similar political situations. Following the government’s pressure on TikTok to hand over
user data, this also reflects a broader trend of the state attempting to control social
media platforms. The data request also raises concerns about social media platforms
complying with government orders in a non-transparent manner.
In light of these issues around information control, further efforts can focus on
strengthening measures to counter disinformation and propaganda. Regarding social
media accountability, efforts can prioritize resisting censorship and preventing
the exploitation of user privacy for political gain. While capacity building in these areas can
be further explored, under Prabowo’s administration, advocacy appears to face additional
challenges for civil society, given the current political situation in which democracy is
declining and meaningful opposition is largely absent.
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