indonesiabrief.com/ — Government condemns intimidation against critics, vows protection for freedom of expression
Jakarta — The government has taken a firm stance against intimidation and acts of terror targeting citizens, including content creators and activists who voice criticism, warning that attempts to silence dissent—whether physical or digital—will not be tolerated.
Angga Raka Prabowo, head of the Government Communication Body, said the state unequivocally rejects all forms of threats and harassment directed at members of the public.
“The government firmly rejects and condemns any form of intimidation, threats or terror against citizens—including content creators, activists, or anyone who expresses criticism,” Angga said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.
His remarks follow reports of intimidation faced by several social media influencers. Ramon Dony Adam, popularly known as DJ Donny, said his home had been repeatedly targeted. On Monday (Dec. 29), a dead chicken was delivered to his residence.
Two days later, in the early hours of Wednesday (Dec. 31), CCTV footage captured an unidentified person throwing a Molotov cocktail at his house.
“This terror not only harms me personally, but also endangers my family and the surrounding community,” Donny told reporters at Polda Metro Jaya. He also said he had received frequent threats via phone calls and social media messages.
Similar incidents were reported by Sherly Annavita, whose car was vandalized by unknown individuals, and by Chiki Fawzi, who said she had been subjected to digital threats.
All three said the intimidation began after they publicly criticized the government’s handling of disasters in Aceh and parts of Sumatra.
Angga stressed that freedom of expression is a constitutional right guaranteed to all Indonesians, citing Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution. “Freedom of expression is a constitutional right and is protected by law,” he said.
As digital platforms increasingly become arenas for public scrutiny and debate, Angga said differences of opinion must never be answered with intimidation or violence.
The state, he added, has an obligation to ensure the safety of every citizen who expresses their views—both in physical spaces and across the digital sphere.
