SAFEnet Reveals Findings Of Digital Repression In Demonstration In Indonesia
Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), a civil society organization that fights for digital rights, highlights the rise of digital repression practices that occurred during the wave of demonstrations since August 25, 2025 in Indonesia.
In a statement given, SAFEnet views this situation as a tangible manifestation of restrictions on freedom of expression, digital authoritarianism, and the militarization of Indonesia's cyberspace.
SAFEnet recorded six main events that were deemed to have violated people's digital rights, namely the criminalization of student activists at Riau University, Khariq Anhar, under the ITE Law article, as well as the circulation of WhatsApp contacts from a number of civil society coalition activists who were referred to as members of the DPR, thus causing spam, harassment, and security disturbances.
They also highlighted disruptions to internet access and alleged sabotage of optical cables in Jakarta, suspension of TikTok's live broadcast features, to information operations that were considered to shift public narratives from the issue of violence by the authorities.
In addition, SAFEnet revealed the practice of over-moderation of content on Meta, TikTok, and YouTube platforms which had an impact on the removal of uploads related to police violence. This happened right after the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said it would summon digital platforms related to content moderation.
For this fact, SAFEnet urges the government, especially the National Police, to stop all forms of digital repression and ensure protection of public information rights.
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They also asked social media companies to respect human rights according to international standards, as well as reject government interventions that violate freedom of expression.
SAFEnet also demanded that the TNI withdraw troops from the demonstration point, and encourage Komnas HAM and international human rights institutions to conduct a thorough investigation.
In addition, SAFEnet appealed to civil society to improve digital security, avoiding provocations that have the potential to create horizontal conflicts.