Indonesia Grapples with Misinformation Amidst Wave of Protests
Jakarta, Indonesia – A wave of protests sweeping across Indonesia has been accompanied by a surge of misinformation and disinformation, prompting a coalition of Indonesian fact-checking organizations to issue a public warning. The Koalisi Cek Fakta (Fact-Checking Coalition) has identified numerous unverified social media posts related to the protests, urging citizens to remain critical and avoid amplifying propaganda or fearmongering narratives.
One prominent example of misleading information circulating online is the allegation that the protests are being orchestrated by foreign entities, including financier George Soros and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The coalition traced this narrative back to a report published by Russian media outlet Sputnik, authored by known propagandist Angelo Guiliano. The report, titled “Soros, NED Could Be Behind Indonesian Protests,” has been widely shared on social media, raising concerns about its potential to pollute the information ecosystem and sow discord. The Fact-Checking Coalition highlighted the recurring pattern of the Russian government exploiting such narratives to discredit opposition movements.
The ongoing protests, which began on August 25, 2025, initially focused on the controversial issue of lavish allowances for lawmakers. Public anger over the perceived injustice of these allowances, particularly in the context of widespread economic hardship, fueled the initial demonstrations. The situation escalated significantly following the death of a ride-share driver, Affan Kurniawan, who was tragically struck by a police vehicle on August 28, 2025. The incident sparked further outrage and intensified the protests, which spread to various cities across the country. Tragically, at least ten lives have been lost in the ensuing unrest.
The misinformation surrounding the protests has taken various forms, including false reports of nighttime curfews, restrictions on street activities, deployment of snipers, widespread arson, limitations on bank withdrawals, attacks on police stations, and looting. These fabricated accounts have contributed to a climate of fear and anxiety among the population. The coalition has also observed attempts to delegitimize the protests through online propaganda, further complicating the already tense situation.
The Fact-Checking Coalition has documented at least 20 different types of misinformation and disinformation related to the protests since August 25, 2025. They have urged both citizens and media organizations to exercise caution when sharing or publishing information from unverified sources. The emphasis on responsible information consumption and dissemination is crucial in mitigating the harmful effects of false narratives.
In response to the growing public pressure, Indonesian political leaders have taken steps to address some of the protesters’ demands. Following meetings with party leaders, Prabowo Subianto, a prominent political figure, announced the withdrawal of housing allowances for members of the DPR (House of Representatives) and a moratorium on overseas work trips. This move represents an attempt to de-escalate tensions and respond to the public’s concerns about government spending. The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of the protests and the government’s response. The Fact-Checking Coalition’s ongoing efforts to combat misinformation will be essential in ensuring a more informed public discourse and promoting stability during this challenging period.
