Vedro Imanuel Girsang, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai has addressed the recent wave of terror targeting influencers. The intimidation is suspected to be linked to public criticism regarding the government's handling of the Sumatra disaster last November.
According to Pigai, the perpetrators are certainly not government or state actors. "It is impossible for an institution, let alone the state, to obstruct freedom," Pigai stated on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Pigai claimed there is no evidence indicating a state role in the terror experienced by these influencers. Consequently, he argued that the public should not assume the government is responsible for the attacks.
The former commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) also asked influencers to stop accusing the government without evidence. According to Pigai, the identity of the true perpetrators can only be confirmed through formal investigations and legal prosecutions.
To clarify the situation, Pigai urged law enforcement to investigate the cases as quickly as possible. "The goal is to find out the motive behind the terror and identify the perpetrators," Pigai said in a written statement.
Pigai ensured that the government is open to criticism from influencers, including views on the Sumatra disaster handling. However, he cautioned that all criticism must be based on facts rather than rumors.
The Minister added that the government is working hard on the disaster response in Sumatra. "Almost every week, President Prabowo Subianto visits Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra," Natalius said.
Pigai had previously admitted that he was unaware of the terror reports against these critics. "I myself did not know. So, how can I believe they were terrorized? By whom and for what?" Pigai said on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Several activists and influencers who criticized the disaster response reported specific acts of terror. For instance, Acehnese musician Ramond Dony Adam, also known as D.J. Donny, received a package containing a chicken carcass and a threatening letter. Influencer Shery Annavita claimed she received a bag of rotten eggs and that her car was vandalized.
The home of Greenpeace Indonesia's Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, Iqbal Damanik, was also targeted. Perpetrators sent a chicken carcass and a threatening message to his residence. This intimidation is suspected to be related to his work at Greenpeace, particularly his critical stance on the government's performance in handling the Sumatra disaster.
– Hendrik Yaputra contributed to the report.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2077860/minister-pigai-govt-not-behind-terror-attacks-on-influencer