A wave of intimidation targeting activists and social media influencers in Indonesia is raising concerns about a decline in freedom of expression, particularly in the wake of criticism surrounding the government’s response to devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra.
Rising Concerns Over Intimidation
Over the past week, several individuals vocal about the government’s handling of the late November disasters have reported threats and acts of intimidation. These incidents have fueled fears that authorities are not adequately protecting citizens’ rights to express dissent.
Specific Incidents Reported
On December 30, 2025, Iqbal Damanik, an activist with Greenpeace Indonesia, received a disturbing package at his home: an unwrapped chicken carcass and a handwritten note warning him to “Watch your words if you want to protect your family.” Damanik had previously been critical of the government’s disaster response.
Also on December 30th, Sherly Annavita, an Aceh-based social media influencer with over two million Instagram followers, reportedly faced online threats and found her car vandalized. This followed her sharing information about the extent of the disaster in Aceh, a province the government has stated is under control.
More recently, on Saturday, Zainal Arifin Mochtar, a scholar from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and pro-democracy activist, received a threatening phone call from an anonymous individual claiming affiliation with the Yogyakarta Police. The caller reportedly demanded Mochtar’s presence at the police station, threatening arrest if he did not comply.
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has denied any government involvement in the intimidation, stating that Indonesia enjoys “a surplus of democracy” and that institutions are incapable of obstructing freedoms. He called for a thorough police investigation.
Political Reactions
Andreas Hugo Pareira, deputy chair of the House of Representatives’ Commission XIII, described the intimidation as a “regression” in the country’s political sphere. Pareira, of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), emphasized the need for the state to investigate and identify those responsible, stating that the “terrors are certainly intended to silence voices coming from influencers.”
What Could Happen Next?
If the intimidation continues without a clear response from authorities, it is likely to further erode public trust and embolden those seeking to suppress dissent. A possible next step could be increased pressure from civil society organizations and opposition parties for a transparent and independent investigation. It is also possible that the incidents could lead to self-censorship among activists and influencers, limiting the flow of information and critical perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted these intimidation incidents?
The intimidation incidents appear to have been prompted by criticism of the government’s response to the deadly floods and landslides that hit three Sumatran provinces in late November.
Who has been targeted?
Those targeted include Iqbal Damanik, a Greenpeace Indonesia activist; Sherly Annavita, a social media influencer from Aceh; and Zainal Arifin Mochtar, a scholar and pro-democracy activist from Gadjah Mada University.
What is the government’s response?
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has refuted allegations of government involvement and called for a police investigation, stating that Indonesia enjoys a “surplus of democracy.”
How might these events impact public discourse in Indonesia?
