Environmentalists, rights workers and critics face brutal assaults as officials deny repression.
A string of acid attacks and threats against Indonesian activists and government critics is fuelling fears that violence and intimidation are being used to mute dissent in a democracy already showing signs of backsliding.
Acid As A Weapon Of Fear
In February, environmental activist Muhammad Rosidi was driving on Sumatra when two men on a motorbike hurled acid through his open car window, burning his hands, legs and groin; weeks later no one has been arrested, and he believes he was targeted for exposing illegal tin mining and smuggling in the Bangka Belitung islands, joining a growing list of attacked critics.
Jakarta Assault And Escalating Threats
In March, KontraS activist Andrie Yunus was doused with acid by two riders while on his motorbike in Jakarta and now risks losing vision in one eye; after the attack, economist and outspoken government critic Bhima Yudhistira said he received death threats and a message claiming his name appeared on the same hit list, prompting him to increase CCTV use and move only in pairs.
Pattern Of Repression And Impunity
Amnesty International Indonesia says nearly 300 human rights defenders suffered intimidation or violence in 2025 and notes that during anti government riots last August more than 4,000 people were arrested, hundreds allegedly assaulted by police and 10 civilians killed, while media outlets such as Tempo received grotesque threats including a rotting pig’s head and decapitated rats delivered to their office.
State Response And Official Denial
Rights groups link the spike in attacks to what they call a hostile climate under President Prabowo Subianto, a former general long accused, though never convicted, of 1990s abuses; the government rejects claims of repression, citing survey data showing high public satisfaction with democracy and arguing that criticism is welcomed, with a senior adviser insisting Amnesty’s findings are not borne out by “scientific data.”
Military Involvement And Justice Concerns
The assault on Andrie triggered global condemnation after four military intelligence officers were arrested and the agency chief resigned, yet activists warn that trying the soldiers in a closed military court undermines accountability; criminologists say acid is deliberately chosen to leave permanent scars and terrorise others, while campaigners like Rosidi say they refuse to be silenced because if critics retreat, no one will defend Indonesia’s environment or democracy.
The attacks on Rosidi, Andrie and other dissenting voices reveal how physical violence, intimidation and opaque military processes can hollow out Indonesia’s democratic gains if left unchecked. Indonesians who value reform must insist on transparent investigations, civilian trials and stronger protection for activists, while Singaporeans watching a key neighbour’s trajectory should recognise that stable regional ties depend not only on trade but also on robust rights, accountable security forces and space for uncomfortable truths.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , ABS CBN (2026)
Keywords: Acid Attacks, Environmental Activists, KontraS, Amnesty International Indonesia, Democratic Regression
