Indonesia: Repression escalates with attack on human rights defender, criminalisation and threats against activists and Papua crackdown

In Indonesia, civic space is rated as ‘obstructed’. Under President Prabowo Subianto, human rights groups have documented the criminalisation, harassment and attacks on activists and others for their activism. Journalists have been targeted for their reporting and there has been a brutal crackdown on protests, with arbitrary arrests, excessive force and ill-treatment by the security forces with impunity. Authorities have also criminalised Papuan activists for their peaceful expression and supressed demonstrations in the region.

According to Human Rights Watch in 2025, President Prabowo Subianto expanded the military and placed active-duty personnel in civilian posts, a throwback to the pervasive militarisation of civilian functions during the discredited Soeharto era. The president also appointed serving members of the armed forces to senior government positions. Hundreds of thousands of people protested low wages and unemployment after the government announced additional perks for lawmakers, and police used excessive force to disperse protesters. Indigenous activists and government critics, particularly those opposing mining companies and oil plantations, faced threats and arrests.

In January 2026, Indonesia’s new criminal code came into effect. The law contains several articles that directly restrict freedom of expression including acts deemed to “attack the honour or dignity” of the president or vice president, insults against the government and state institutions and expression perceived as threatening the state ideology (Pancasila) or constituting treason It also criminalises public demonstrations conducted without prior police notification. Civil society groups have raised concerns about the law.

Indonesia was elected President of the UN Human Rights Council for 2026 in January. However, in recent months, a human rights defender was attacked while others were detained. Police cracked down on villagers opposing mining in Central Sulawesi and intimidated and detained Papuan activists. An investigation found police beat protesters and unlawfully used tear gas, failed to deal with counter-protesters in Yogyakarta and cracked down on Papuan protests. There were also threats against activists and critics for their peaceful expression, Papuan activists jailed on treason charges and worrying new laws proposed that could be used to restrict civic space.

Association

Attack on human rights defender Andrie Yunus

On 12th March 2026, human rights defender Andrie Yunus became the victim of a targeted acid attack by two unidentified perpetrators, while driving his motorcycle in Central Jakarta. The men on a motorcycle threw acid at Andrie Yunus, causing severe chemical burns on his hands, face, chest, and eyes. He suffered burns to more than 20 percent of his body. The attack occurred immediately after he participated in a podcast on ‘Remilitarism and Judicial Review in Indonesia’, a central topic of his human rights work.

Andrie Yunus is a human rights defender and the Deputy Coordinator for External Affairs of KontraS, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Komisi untuk Orang Hilang dan Korban Tindak Kekerasan). Founded in 1998, it is one of Indonesia's leading human rights organisations. KontraS monitors the human rights situation in Indonesia and documents cases of enforced disappearances and state violence.

Andrie Yunus has been previously targeted with intimidation and harassment due to his efforts to oppose the revision of Indonesia's Military Law (RUU TNI), which allows active-duty military officers to hold positions in 14 state institutions. The ratification of this law in March 2025 led to a significant expansion of the military into civilian and political affairs. He was also a member of the Fact-Finding Commission (KPF), which has been conducting an independent investigation into the nationwide protests and violations that occurred in Indonesia in August 2025.

It has been reported that the police and the military are each conducting investigations into the case. However, the findings of the two institutions differ. The Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police stated they had identified two perpetrators while the military has revealed that there were four suspected perpetrators from the military intelligence unit that were involved in the attack. On 26th March 2026, the military announced the replacement of the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) commander Lieutenant General Yudi Abrimantyo, which was officially described as a "form of responsibility" for the incident.

Civil society groups have raised concerns that the military officers may be tried in a military tribunal which lacks transparency, independence, and impartiality and could shield them from accountability.

Human rights defenders Dera Pramandira and Fathul Munif detained

On 27th November 2025, human rights defenders Adetya “Dera” Pramandira and Fathul Munif were reportedly ambushed by 24 police officers and arbitrarily arrested. Adetya is a staff member at WALHI Central Java, and Fathul is long-standing coordinator of Aksi Kamisan Semarang, a weekly silent protest calling for justice for victims of past human rights violations. According to initial reports, the arrests were conducted without arrest warrants, without prior summons, and without sufficient evidence, in violation of due process guarantees.

They have been accused of inciting demonstrations that spread across Indonesia in August 2025. Dera and Munif were designated as criminal suspects under the “incitement” provision of the Indonesian Criminal Code and the “hate speech” provision of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) law.

According to the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Front Line Defenders (FLD) their case mirrors the escalating pattern of judicial harassment, arbitrary arrests and detention, violence, and intimidation faced by Indonesian human rights defenders, students, activists, and peaceful protestors.

Between August and September 2025, thousands of Indonesians took to the streets to criticise government policies. The protests—which spread across 18 provinces and 39 subdistricts—were marked by police brutality and unlawful crowd-control tactics. It left a trail of at least 10 civilian deaths, over 400 severe injuries, and approximately 4,000 arbitrary arrests.

Police crackdown on villagers opposing mining in Central Sulawesi

In January 2026, police arrested an environmental activist and used excessive force during an armed police operation against residents from Torete Village, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi who were defending their land amid the expansion of the mining industry.

On 3rd January 2026 an environmental activist identified as Arlan Dahrin was arrested. He is known locally for speaking out against alleged land and mangrove grabbing linked to mining operations. Arlan was reported to police by a mining company employee on allegations of racial and ethnic discrimination — accusations that Amnesty said should be critically examined given his role as a vocal environmental advocate.

After a mining company office was set on fire later the same day, on 4th January, fully armed police personnel were deployed to Torete Village, where three residents were arrested in connection with the fire. Videos widely shared on social media appear to show officers using force against civilians, including placing a resident in a chokehold when he asked to see an arrest warrant. Media reports also quote residents as saying police pointed firearms at civilians and fired shots into the air.

Morowali has emerged as one of Indonesia’s most strategic mining hubs, particularly for nickel, a key input for electric vehicle batteries and green energy technologies. While the sector has drawn major domestic and foreign investment, critics argue that rapid industrialisation has also generated land conflicts, ecological degradation and social tensions.

Intimidation and detention of Papuan activists

According to the Human Rights Monitor, activists in Papua continue to face various forms of harassment and criminalisation for their activism. There are long standing grievances in the region against violations by security forces and exploitation of natural resources.

On 24th November 2025, police officers arbitrarily detained four members of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), without showing a warrant, at a coffee shop near Karang Tumaritis Market, Nabire town, Nabire Regency, Central Papua province, and subsequently detained them at the Nabire District Police Station (Polres Nabire). The police officers failed to provide a clear reason for the detention. The four were released shortly after other activists arrived at Polres Nabire and asked for the legal basis for the detention. KNPB is a movement promoting the right to self-determination through peaceful action and is one of the most frequently targeted groups.

Apolos Sroyer, Chair of the Biak Customary Council and Chief of the Biak Tribe, in the Biak–Supiori Regency, has faced intimidation and surveillance. On 30th November 2025, unidentified officials visited his home without prior notice, followed by drone surveillance reportedly conducted for several hours. On 9th December 2025, intelligence vehicles allegedly followed Sroyer while he was in Jayapura. The acts are allegedly linked to his peaceful leadership of indigenous opposition to the planned construction of new military (TNI) headquarters.

On 31st January 2026, personnel of the Indonesian Navy Marine Corps stationed at the Km 6 guard post arbitrarily detained two activists, Alokni Keroman and Oroni Gombo (in Dekai Town, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province). Both men are affiliated with the KNPB. They were detained for approximately two hours without an arrest warrant, formal charges, or access to legal safeguards, before being released.

Drone attack on the office of KNPB in Jayapura

According to the Human Rights Monitor, the headquarters of KNPB in Jayapura, Papua Province, was attacked by a drone in the early hours of 16th March 2026. The drone reportedly dropped an explosive device which detonated in the office courtyard while several KNPB members and officials were asleep inside the building. The incident follows a previous arson attack against the same office on 17th January 2026, indicating an emerging pattern of intimidation against the political activists and human rights defenders in Papua.

Peaceful Assembly

Arbitrary arrests and abuses during protests in 2025

In December 2025, Amnesty International Indonesia reported that at least 5,538 people were arbitrarily arrested, subjected to violence, or exposed to tear gas in 2025 while exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

Amnesty noted that large-scale protests took place between March and August 2025 over a range of issues, including revisions to the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law, labour rights, national strategic projects, and parliamentary benefits. Rather than engaging in dialogue, authorities were said to have relied on heavy-handed security measures to disperse demonstrators.

According to the organisation, law enforcement frequently used excessive force during the protests. Amnesty also documented the deployment of tear gas canisters containing explosive materials during demonstrations in late August 2025, warning that such weapons carried a high risk of causing permanent injuries.

Instead of conducting a thorough evaluation of these incidents, the National Police chief issued Regulation No. 4 of 2025, which Amnesty said loosened restrictions on the use of firearms by police officers.

Investigation finds police beat protesters and unlawfully used tear gas

A new investigation by Amnesty International published on 9th December 2025 found that Indonesian police used unlawful force against protesters, including beatings and the improper use of water cannon and tear gas grenades, during mass demonstrations that swept the country in 2025.

Thirty-six videos authenticated by Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab, along with interviews with five victims and witnesses, detailed the police’s use of unlawful force during rallies between 25th August and 1st September 2025. This included firing water cannon at protesters at close range, beating people with batons and using a dangerous model of tear gas grenade known to cause serious injuries, including loss of limbs.

According to information aggregated from various NGOs and legal aid organisations, at least 4,194 protesters were arrested between 25th August and 1st September. As of 27th September 2025 the police had charged 959 of these individuals, while the rest were released without charge. The police confirmed media reports that 295 of those charged were children at the time of arrest.

NGOs and legal aid groups also documented that at least 1,036 people were victims of violence during the protests, recorded in 69 separate incidents in 19 cities. While some protesters were involved in violent acts, the majority of these cases involved police use of unnecessary and excessive force.

In at least two cases, Amnesty International found that police fired GLI-F4-style tear gas grenades, which are extremely dangerous because they may contain an explosive compound that disperses chemical irritants. These grenades can cause serious physical injury through the blast or debris and have been banned in many countries.

In other videos verified by Amnesty International, police used unnecessary and excessive force to detain protesters who were already immobilised, striking them with batons, sticks or other weapons.

Forced dispersal by counter-protesters in Yogyakarta

There was a mass demonstration by students and community members protesting police violence against civilians, in front of the Yogyakarta Special Region Police Headquarters on 24th February 2026. The group performed prayers in front of the Police Headquarters for the victims of violence

According to Amnesty International Indonesia, the demonstration turned violent after another group of people appeared and chased the demonstrators in front of the Yogyakarta Special Region Police Headquarters. The group, claiming to be Yogyakarta residents, carried wooden and iron clubs and called on the demonstrators to disperse. The demonstrators then moved away from the Yogyakarta Special Region Police Headquarters.

Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid said: “We condemn all forms of violence without justification, against anyone and by any party. We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated by counter-protesters who used threats of violence to disperse demonstrations. The police must investigate this incident of forced dispersal by counter-protesters.”

Crackdown on Papuan protests

Crackdowns on protests were also documented in Papua, particularly by the Human Rights Monitor.

On 6th December 2025, Jayapura police forcibly dispersed a peaceful assembly organised by KNPB at the BTN Matoa Field, Sentani, Jayapura Regency. During the crackdown, officers intimidated and arbitrarily arrested six participants. Twelve activists were subjected to ill-treatment during the incident. The assembly was held to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and to distribute leaflets for a peaceful action for World Human Rights Day on 10th December 2025.

On 8th December 2025, police officers carried out acts of intimidation and physical violence against students during a peaceful free speech rally at the P3 Uncen Atas bus stop, Jayapura City. The protest was held to express opposition to the government’s Free Nutritious Food (MBG) programme. The incident resulted in physical assault and an attempted arbitrary detention of 17-year-old Yeheskiel Walela, a student of SMA YPPK Taruna Dharma, who suffered injuries to his right shoulder and chest after being struck by police officers.

On 25th January 2026, Indonesian police officers arbitrarily detained eleven members of Suara Kaum Awam Katolik Regio Papua (Voice of Catholic People of Papua) while they were staging a peaceful silent protest in front of St Francis Xavier Cathedral, located in the City of Merauke, South Papua province. The protest sought to raise concerns regarding indigenous peoples harmed by the government’s massive Merauke food project and opposition to the bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Merauke for backing the government project. The protesters reported being choked and beaten. All eleven protesters were then taken to the Merauke Police Station and later released without charge.

Court acquits four activists accused of inciting deadly 2025 student protests

On 6th March 2026, a court in Central Jakarta acquitted four activists accused of inciting the country's worst riots in over two decades in August 2025. They include ​Delpedro Marhaen, who works for the Lokataru Foundation, a non-government organisation providing legal assistance for protesters. Three other activists, including Delpedro's colleague Muzaffar Salim, online activist Syahdan Husein from student movement Gejayan Memanggil, and Riau University student Khariq Anhar were also acquitted.

All the defendants were declared not guilty of inciting people ​to join the August 2025 protests, and were also acquitted on the charges of triggering riots by spreading fake ‌news ⁠and hate speech through social media, the judge said. The judge also ruled that they had not incited minors to join the protests, thus absolving them of the charge of child exploitation.

According to Amnesty International, the activists had called for people to join the protests and posted information for protesters who needed legal assistance during the protests or those whose Jakarta Smart Card had been revoked by schools after joining the protests. They also posted satirical messages related to the protests that were critical of the government. In addition, they also criticised the excessive use of force by police against protesters during the August protests, which Amnesty has documented.

Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director Usman Hamid said: “This brings new hope amid an increasingly shrinking civic space in Indonesia. The acquittal sends a clear message to law enforcement authorities that they should stop criminalising human rights defenders and anyone who peacefully exercises their right to protest. This is a significant victory for justice and human rights in Indonesia.”

Expression

Threats against activists and critics

According to EU SEE, in late December 2025 and early January 2026, a number of civil society actors and critics faced various forms of intimidation, threats, and terror after expressing criticism of government programmes.

On 2nd January 2026, Zainal Arifin Mochtar, an academic at Universitas Gadjah Mada, received a threatening phone call from an unknown caller claiming to be a law enforcement official. Mochtar has been vocal on issues of human rights in the country.

Following her criticism of the government’s disaster response and other programmes, Chiki Fawzi, an actress, was sent a photograph of a pig’s head.

In late December 2026, DJ Donny, an influencer, experienced a series of physical threats at his residence, including the delivery of a chicken carcass accompanied by a threatening letter, as well as a Molotov cocktail attack. DJ Donny is known for frequently criticising government policies, such as on flood management and the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG), through social media.

Sherly Annavita, an influencer from Aceh, received repeated threats and insults via Instagram and private phone numbers after voicing critical views regarding disaster response in Sumatra and the MBG programme. Physical forms of intimidation against her included vandalism of her personal vehicle (spray-painted with large red cross marks), and the delivery of a threatening letter that also mentioned one of her family members.

Virdian Aurelio (civil society activist) received threats, including physical and digital intimidation, after he raised concerns about natural disasters in Sumatra.

After Nurul Oriana, a mother in Kampar Regency, Riau, posted a photo of the MBG menu perceived as criticism of the programme, she received a threatening phone call demanding that she stop discussing the MBG programme, accompanied by a statement that doing so could “destroy her life.” Her child was reportedly expelled from the early childhood education program (PAUD) via a WhatsApp group.

Four Papuan activists jailed on treason charges

On 1st December 2025, four Papuan political prisoners were sentenced to seven months' imprisonment on treason charges.

In April 2025, letters were delivered to government institutions in Sorong West Papua, asking for peaceful dialogue between Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto and Forkorus Yaboisembut, president of the pro-independence organisation, the Federal Republic of West Papua, to discuss independence for the restive province.

Four people - Abraham Goram Gaman, Maksi Sangkek, Piter Robaha and Nikson Mai - were arrested for delivering the letters and charged for violating articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code. They were transferred to Makassar in South Sulawesi from Sorong in August 2025.

Dozens of peaceful pro-independence political activists have been prosecuted for treason (Articles 106 and 110 of the Criminal Code) for raising the Morning Star flag - a symbol of Papuan independence - or participating in peaceful protests over the last two decades. Access to foreign journalists and human rights observers has also been restricted to the Papuan region.

Convicted for a social media post

A court found a woman guilty of incitement on 15th January 2026 over social media posts during nationwide protests.

Judges in Jakarta convicted 26-year-old Laras Faizati Khairunnisa of spreading incitement through social media under Article 161(1) of the Criminal Code, including an Instagram story calling on people to burn the National Police headquarters in the capital.

The posts were made as nationwide protests rocked the archipelago in late August and early September 2025, sparked by lavish perks for lawmakers but later intensifying over footage of a police vehicle fatally running over a delivery driver. Laras, a former worker of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, had been in pre-trial detention since 1st September 2025.

The verdict called for a six-month prison sentence, but the presiding judge said Laras would instead get a one-year probation. She was released from custody following the hearing.

Amnesty International Indonesia called the court’s decision a “devastating blow to freedom of expression and peaceful protest” which “could clearly create a chilling effect in society”.

Concerns about new cybersecurity bill

The Indonesian Law Ministry finalised the draft Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Bill (RUU KKS) in October 2025 and submitted it to the House of Representatives for prioritisation in the 2026 legislative agenda. According to EU SEE, this bill responds to increasing cyberattacks and aims to establish a comprehensive framework for managing cyber threats, including regulations for digital product providers, guidelines on artificial intelligence ethics, and procedures for responding to cyber incidents. However, it introduces concepts like “digital treason” with penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for attacks threatening sovereignty, and controversially assigns investigative roles to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Another contentious provision is Article 69, which grants the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) the authority to filter content deemed a cyber threat. Further, Article 82 grants BSSN investigative authority over cyber-related crime, making it a law enforcement entity.

If enacted without revisions, the law poses significant long-term threats to Indonesia’s enabling environment by accelerating the militarisation of cyberspace, potentially entrenching authoritarian tendencies and weakening democratic safeguards.

Prevention of Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda Bill could restrict civic space

The Indonesian government’s plan for a Bill on the Prevention of Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda, announced on 14th January 2026, comes amid a wider trend of expansive security‑oriented regulation that threatens civic space. According to EU SEE, civil society groups warn that the bill’s broad framing around “disinformation” and “foreign propaganda” risks entrenching and expanding existing patterns of digital repression. They fear that a new, vaguely defined disinformation regime will further legitimise the targeting of activists, journalists, and organisations—particularly those working on sensitive issues or engaging with foreign partners—as security threats or “foreign agents.”