Activists Face Terror for Criticizing Government Policies

Activists in Indonesia have come forward with harrowing accounts of terror and intimidation following their public criticism of government policies. These incidents raise serious concerns about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

One of the most alarming cases involves Andrie Yunus, the Deputy Coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS). Yunus was allegedly attacked with acid on March 12, 2026, by an individual identified as a member of the Indonesian National Armed Forces' Strategic Intelligence Agency. Yunus is known for his vocal opposition to the military's expanding role in civilian affairs.

During a press conference held on June 5, 2026, at the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) office in Jakarta, several prominent figures detailed the threats they have faced. These included legal scholar Feri Amsari, Saiful Mujani of Saiful Mujani Research Center, YLBHI Chairman Muhammad Isnur, Centra Initiative Director Al Araf, former Gadjah Mada University Student Council head Tiyo Ardianto, Jaringan Moderat Indonesia Executive Director Islah Bahrawi, and KontraS Coordinator Dimas Bagus Arya. Many wore black armbands as a symbol of their victimhood.

Feri Amsari recounted how his family became targets of doxing on social media, with threatening messages suggesting his wife and children would be harmed. "You don't know yet if your wife and children become victims,' that was the language used," Amsari stated. He emphasized that the state should protect freedom of thought and that citizens, as the sovereign power, should be allowed to express themselves freely.

Islah Bahrawi reported being stalked and harassed by individuals suspected to be members of the TNI since May 21, 2026. The surveillance, he said, continues to this day. These testimonies underscore a pattern of alleged state-sanctioned intimidation aimed at silencing critical voices.

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'You don't know yet if your wife and children become victims,' that was the language used.