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. 42

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