Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has moved to reassure the public, urging citizens not to be swayed by “disinformation” circulating online about possible mass protests.
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s domestic security situation remains “stable and under control” ahead of next week’s Independence Day celebrations, the country’s top security minister said Wednesday, as authorities warned of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at stoking unrest.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago told reporters that the government is closely monitoring developments but stressed that daily life across the country continues as normal, with business activities, public services and shopping centres operating without disruption.
“The domestic situation remains secure and fully under control. We are not being complacent, we continue to monitor all developments.”
— Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
The minister’s call for calm came as researchers from Monash University Indonesia published a study revealing that videos of past demonstrations had been recirculated online in what appeared to be a coordinated disinformation campaign. The analysis examined approximately 197,000 social media posts between July 26 and August 1 containing keywords such as “demonstration,” “action,” “students,” “video” and “coverage”.
The Disinformation Campaign
Researchers found unusual reposting patterns suggesting the possible use of automated tools, scripts or bulk reposting systems designed to artificially inflate engagement. Many posts employed urgent language written in capital letters—such as “PROTEST TODAY,” “IN THE PAST FEW DAYS,” and “EMERGENCY” —and presented purported protests as “massive,” “happening everywhere” or “taking place simultaneously across Indonesia”.
“In this situation, the biggest casualty is not any particular political group, but the public’s ability to distinguish what is real from what is not.”
— Ika Idris, Monash University Indonesia researcher
The study warned that misleading online posts about street protests risk blurring the line between authentic information and manipulated content, potentially delegitimising genuine protest movements while reinforcing claims that demonstrations were being orchestrated.
Security Preparations and Government Response
Over the past week, shopping malls and office buildings in Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Surakarta erected tall metal fences—some reaching between 2 metres and 5 metres high and topped with pointed spikes—amid speculation about possible demonstrations. Some of these barriers have since been removed.
The move came as authorities recalled the violent unrest that swept across Indonesia last year, when demonstrations escalated into violence in several cities, forcing some shopping malls to temporarily close. The 2025 unrest intensified after a motorcycle taxi driver was fatally struck by a police vehicle during a protest in Jakarta. Several people were killed and others injured, with losses estimated to run into billions of rupiah.
Djamari, who was joined at the press conference by Indonesian military commander Agus Subiyanto and national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, said authorities are identifying social media accounts involved in spreading hoaxes and disinformation. “We will identify the accounts involved. If there are indications that their actions constitute a criminal offence, we will take firm legal action,” he warned.
National police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said security preparations are being stepped up ahead of the August 17 celebrations, with police coordinating with related ministries and regional administrations to maintain stability.
📅 What’s Next
With Independence Day just over a week away, the government is urging the public not to be distracted by unverified information. Djamari acknowledged that global uncertainty continues to affect countries around the world, including Indonesia, but stressed that the government is working to reduce its impact on the public and ensure its programmes can continue without disruption.
For now, authorities remain on alert—but insist the situation is under control.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
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