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Indonesian Law Minister Defends Anti-Disinformation Bill Amid Press Freedom Concerns
Indonesian Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas has defended the controversial draft Anti-Disinformation and Foreign Propaganda Bill, insisting it will not restrict press freedom despite growing concerns from civil liberties groups.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, Supratman emphasized that the legislation primarily targets information management on social media platforms rather than traditional news outlets.
“It is not about restricting press freedom at all,” Supratman said. “But we must also remember that the digital world has developed tremendously, making it increasingly difficult to control information flow in the digital realm.”
The Gerindra Party politician explained that the bill addresses a regulatory gap regarding content produced and distributed through social media channels, which currently falls outside existing media regulations. “What we aim to reform is not the mainstream media, but social media. Because the control does not lie with us,” he stated.
The Ministry of Law is currently developing the academic manuscript for the proposed legislation, with specific norms and limitations regarding foreign disinformation and propaganda yet to be established. Supratman offered preliminary definitions, describing “disinformation” as the dissemination of false information, while “foreign propaganda” refers to information originating from abroad that influences domestic public opinion.
“Actually, it’s not about whether it’s foreign or not, but it applies to all types of information, both domestic and foreign,” Supratman clarified. “So, if it concerns news that is disseminated from abroad, providing information and eventually absorbed by society.”
The draft bill, which has been circulating since mid-January 2026, describes itself as urgent legislation needed to provide legal certainty against foreign disinformation that could potentially threaten national sovereignty, divide the nation, influence democratic processes, and weaken national resilience.
No timeline has been established for submitting the bill to the House of Representatives (DPR), with the minister indicating the government is taking a deliberate approach to its development. “Trust me, restricting press freedom will not happen,” Supratman assured.
However, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislation, arguing it contradicts constitutional protections for free expression. The organization points specifically to Articles 28F and 28E of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to communicate, obtain information, and express thoughts and attitudes.
Article 28F explicitly states that everyone has the right to communicate and obtain information to develop themselves and their social environment, including seeking, obtaining, possessing, storing, processing, and conveying information through any available channel.
YLBHI has warned that the bill could become a new tool for suppressing dissent, particularly targeting civil society organizations and government critics. “YLBHI sees this plan as specifically aimed at targeting critical citizens, controlling information, cutting off funding and support for civil society organizations,” the foundation stated on January 15.
The legal aid organization has connected the legislation to what they characterize as an increasingly authoritarian tendency within President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. YLBHI notes that officials in the President’s circle have frequently appeared resistant to criticism and have often accused foreign interests of being behind domestic criticism.
“YLBHI sees this as an integral part of a government’s character that is increasingly anti-criticism and allergic to the voices of the people that present facts, including those from civil society organizations,” the foundation stated.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between the Indonesian government’s stated concerns about foreign influence and disinformation versus civil society’s fears about potential restrictions on free expression and democratic discourse in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy.
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13 Comments
Interesting move to target social media platforms specifically with this anti-disinformation bill. Curious to see how they plan to strike the right balance between addressing misinformation and preserving press freedoms.
Valid concern about the potential impact on press freedom. Will be important to monitor the bill’s development and ensure it doesn’t overreach or have unintended consequences.
Seems like a reasonable approach to focus the legislation on social media rather than traditional news outlets. The digital realm does pose new challenges in controlling information flows.
Agree, social media platforms do warrant closer regulation given their outsized role in the spread of misinformation. Curious to see the specific measures proposed.
The minister’s clarification that this bill is not about restricting press freedom is reassuring. Focusing on social media platforms rather than traditional media outlets seems like a reasonable approach.
I agree, it’s good to see the government acknowledging the need to address the unique challenges posed by social media, while trying to preserve press freedoms.
I appreciate the minister’s acknowledgment that existing media regulations don’t adequately address the social media landscape. Targeted legislation could help, but the details will be crucial.
Absolutely, the devil will be in the details. Careful drafting will be needed to avoid any unintended consequences or overreach.
This move to target social media platforms rather than traditional media is an interesting approach. It will be important to monitor how the legislation is implemented to ensure it doesn’t have unintended consequences.
Interesting move to address the regulatory gap around social media content. Curious to see how they plan to define and enforce the new rules without impacting legitimate journalism.
Focusing the anti-disinformation bill on social media rather than mainstream media outlets seems like a reasonable approach, given the unique challenges posed by the digital realm. But the details will be crucial.
Tackling misinformation on social media is a complex challenge, so I’m interested to see the specific measures proposed in this bill. Preserving press freedom will be crucial.
Absolutely, the government will need to tread carefully to find the right balance. Transparency and input from stakeholders will be important.