Jakarta — A wave of intimidation targeting activists and social media influencers in Indonesia appears to be a coordinated effort to stifle criticism of the government’s handling of ecological disasters in Sumatra, according to Amnesty International Indonesia. The attacks, ranging from unsettling deliveries to digital harassment, are raising serious concerns about freedom of speech.
Silencing Dissent: Activists Face Escalating Threats
A growing number of Indonesian citizens are reporting harassment and threats after voicing concerns about environmental issues.
- Amnesty International Indonesia alleges a systematic campaign to create a climate of fear among critics.
- The intimidation tactics include physical assaults, vandalism, and sophisticated digital attacks.
- Several individuals have received threatening packages, including disturbing items like chicken carcasses.
- The government’s response has been muted, raising questions about its commitment to protecting freedom of expression.
“Acts of terror such as throwing rotten eggs, vandalism, as well as Molotov cocktail bombings and digital attacks are systematic efforts to create a climate of fear,” stated Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
A: Amnesty International Indonesia believes the attacks are aimed at silencing individuals who publicly criticize the government’s response to ecological disasters, particularly in the Sumatra region.
The incidents began escalating toward the end of 2025, with several high-profile figures reporting threats. DJ Donny, from Aceh, received a package containing a chicken carcass and a threatening letter, and his home was subsequently targeted with a Molotov cocktail. Influencer Sherly Annavita, also from Aceh, reported receiving a bag of rotten eggs and finding her car vandalized. Iqbal Damanik, Campaign Manager for Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Indonesia, was sent a chicken carcass accompanied by a threatening message, reportedly linked to his criticisms of the government’s handling of the Sumatra disaster.
The intimidation isn’t limited to physical threats. Content creator Virdian Aurellio faced digital attacks after posting about the aftermath of a disaster in Aceh. His brother’s WhatsApp account was allegedly hacked and used to disseminate pornographic content, and attempts were made to compromise other family members’ accounts to discredit him. Actor Yama Carlos also reported being targeted with threatening WhatsApp messages, demands to delete content, and fictitious Cash on Delivery (COD) orders sent to his address after posting a satirical video about the situation in Sumatra.
The lack of a robust investigation by authorities is fueling the problem, according to Hamid. “If terror passes without investigation, the state indirectly condones anti-criticism practices,” he said.
However, the Minister for Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, expressed skepticism about the reports, stating in a brief message on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, “I myself don’t know. So, how can I believe they are being terrorized? By whom? For what reason?”
The escalating situation raises concerns about the state of freedom of expression and the protection of civil society in Indonesia. The question remains whether authorities will take meaningful action to address these threats and ensure the safety of those who dare to speak out.
