Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – Constitutional law lecturer Herdiansyah Hamzah of Mulawarman University has warned that a recent wave of threats and intimidation targeting activists, content creators, and public figures in Indonesia points to growing authoritarian tendencies under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, particularly a low tolerance for criticism.
"He will attempt to silence criticism using the tools of power," Herdiansyah said in an interview on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Herdiansyah pointed to arrests of demonstrators during the August 2025 protests as another indicator of authoritarianism.
The demonstrations, initially staged in response to a salary increase for members of the House of Representatives and broader economic grievances, were met with crackdowns, including the arrest of participants and reported physical assaults on a motorcycle taxi driver.
"Even during the August 2025 events, individuals with dissenting opinions were treated as political prisoners. This is a clear sign of an anti-criticism regime," he said.
According to Herdiansyah, Indonesia's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the right to critique those in power. Yet, he argues, threats and acts of violence against citizens indicate a growing suppression of these rights.
"Authoritarian regimes see criticism as dangerous. They are indifferent to citizens' concerns and justify suppressing dissent," he said, likening such governments to "blinkered horses" that cannot see the input or perspectives of their people.
He emphasized that the government should act to protect citizens and investigate those orchestrating such acts of terror. Instead, he believes current authorities are turning a blind eye, failing to uphold the constitutional mandate that guarantees freedom of expression.
"This is the stifling of criticism and freedom of speech. The state's silence confirms its failure to ensure these fundamental rights," Herdiansyah said.
When contacted, Minister of Law and Human Rights Natalius Pigai claimed he was unaware of any threats.
"I myself am unaware. So how can I believe they are being terrorized? By whom? For what reason?" he said in a brief message on Wednesday.
The wave of intimidation has affected multiple figures. DJ Donny, a musician from Aceh, reported receiving a chicken carcass along with a threatening letter. Content creator Sherly Annavita said she received a bag of rotten eggs and experienced vandalism on her vehicle.
Greenpeace Indonesia's Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, Iqbal Damanik, also reported receiving a chicken carcass and threatening note, which observers suspect is linked to his environmental advocacy and criticism of government handling of the Sumatra disaster.
These incidents, according to experts, illustrate a broader climate of fear aimed at silencing voices critical of the government.
– Ervana Trinakaputri contributed to the writing of this article.