Event Summary
In late December 2025 and early January 2026, a number of civil society actors, critics, and influencers have faced different forms of intimidation, threats, and terror after expressing criticism about government programs, such as its disaster response in Sumatra and the free nutritious meals program in schools (MBG).
- On 2 January 2026, Zainal Arifin Mochtar (Professor at Universitas Gadjah Mada) received a threatening phone call from an unknown caller claiming to be a law enforcement official.
- Following her criticism of the government’s disaster response and other programs, Chiki Fawzi (Actress/Public Figure) was sent the photo of a pig’s head, reminding of the intimidation faced by a Tempo journalist, who received a severed pig’s head in 2025.
- In late December, DJ Donny (influencer) experienced a series of physical threats at his residence, including the delivery of a chicken carcass accompanied by a threatening letter as well as the throwing of a Molotov cocktail. DJ Donny is known for frequently criticizing government policies, such as flood management and the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG), through social media.
- Sherly Annavita (influencer from Aceh) received repeated threats and insults via Instagram and private phone numbers after voicing critical views regarding disaster response in Sumatra and the MBG program. Physical forms of intimidation against her included vandalism of her personal vehicle (spray-painted with large red cross marks), and the delivery of a threatening letter that also mentioned one of her family members.
- Virdian Aurelio (civil society activist) received threats, including physical and digital intimidation after he raised concerns about natural disasters in Sumatra.
- After Nurul Oriana, a mother in Kampar Regency, Riau, posted a photo of the MBG menu perceived as criticism of the program, she received a threatening phone call demanding that she stop discussing the MBG program, accompanied by a statement that doing so could “destroy her life.” Her child was reportedly expelled from the early childhood education program (PAUD) via a WhatsApp group.
The series of intimidation and terror incidents induce self-censorship and deter public engagement and occur amid growing concerns over the narrowing of civic space in Indonesia. The silencing of criticism of social program also means that policy deficiencies go unscrutinized and government accountability is continuously undermined. The Indonesian government has officially condemned such acts of intimidation and encouraged legal proceedings, while civil society organizations have highlighted concerns regarding the shrinking of civic space. This recurring pattern reflects systemic challenges in safeguarding freedom of expression and civic participation.