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View all search resultsPanel warns of narrowing dissent in Indonesia
Experts say curbs on criticism risk undermining democratic legitimacy as political consolidation limits opposition.
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A human rights activist affiliated with the Justice for Victims Solidarity Network holds a poster on April 2, 2026, during the 902nd “Kamisan” protest across from the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. (JP/Iqro Rinaldi)
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strong democracy can help Indonesia weather crises, but a shrinking space for dissent can be dangerous, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions, panelists said at a recent discussion.
Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and chair of The Habibie Center board of directors, said Indonesian democracy faces challenges like any other system, including a narrowing space for dissent that can be especially harmful.
“When spaces to express dissent are shut down, that is the main enemy of democracy,” Dewi said during a discussion at The Habibie Center in South Jakarta on Wednesday.
Civil society groups have raised alarms that the human rights climate in Indonesia has deteriorated, while authorities have stepped up crackdowns on dissent.
In a report released on April 21, Amnesty International said President Prabowo Subianto’s administration has been marked by growing restrictions on freedom of expression.
In 2025 alone, Amnesty recorded nearly 300 instances of human rights defenders facing intimidation and violence, including intimidation that led to an acid attack on Kontras activist Andrie Yunus in March.
Dewi said government aversion to dissent began to emerge during the administration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. Despite being seen as a reform-era figure with a civilian background, Jokowi managed to consolidate support from most political parties, leaving little room for opposition.
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