Intimidation Tactics Against Indonesian Government Critics Amid Flood Response Controversy

In Indonesia, a series of intimidation tactics have emerged against critics of the government, coinciding with widespread dissatisfaction regarding the official response to severe flooding in northern Sumatra. The flooding, which occurred in November 2025, resulted in over 1,000 fatalities. Rights campaigners have reported that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the home of Ramond Donny Adam, a social media influencer and member of the opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, on December 31. Adam, known as DJ Donny, stated that the device failed to explode and has since reported the incident to the police, demanding accountability for the threats he has faced.

The Straits Times

The intimidation incidents are part of a broader pattern of threats against activists and critics of the Indonesian government. On December 30, a dead chicken was found outside the home of a Greenpeace campaigner, accompanied by a message warning, "Watch your words if you want to protect your family, your mouth is your sword." Leonard Simanjuntak, the country director for Greenpeace Indonesia, suspects that these threats are linked to the organization's criticism of government policies related to forestry management and the issuance of mining and palm oil plantation permits, which have been implicated in exacerbating the flooding crisis.

UsNews and World Report

Angga Raka Prabowo, head of the government communication office, condemned all forms of intimidation against citizens, including activists and content creators. He emphasized that the government encourages legal action in response to threats or acts of terror. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated that while criticism is permissible, it should be constructive. However, the lack of immediate police response to these incidents raises concerns about the protection of free speech in the country.

The Independent

The intimidation tactics have drawn sharp criticism from various human rights organizations. A joint statement from 91 groups, including the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network and the Human Rights Working Group, described these acts as an attack on democratic values and the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Influencer Sherly Annavita, who has over two million followers, also reported being targeted; her car was spray-painted, and rotten eggs were thrown at her home after she criticized the government's slow response to the floods.

UsNews and World Report

The incidents of intimidation against government critics in Indonesia highlight a troubling trend regarding freedom of expression in the country. As activists continue to voice their concerns over the government's handling of the flooding crisis, the response from authorities and the ongoing threats faced by these individuals will be critical in determining the future of civil liberties in Indonesia.

UsNews and World Report