Digitalizing Authoritarianism in Indonesia: Exploring the Intersection of Civic Activism, Digital Repression, and Democratic Erosion
摘要
This chapter analyzes the rise of digital authoritarianism in Indonesia that focuses on the state's use of digital tools to repress dissent and consolidate political power. Digital authoritarianism has been seen through online surveillance, digital repression, and government-endorsed misinformation campaigns. The government has exploited legal measures, namely the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, to enhance its control over digital spaces, criminalizing dissent and restricting free speech. The chapter further examines the role of state-affiliated actors, including cyber troops and pro-government supporters, in influencing public discourse by targeting critics and disseminating pro-government narratives. These tactics demonstrate a broader authoritarian adaptation to the digital age that perpetuates the entrenchment of elite power under a democratic façade. This study highlights the intersection between digital repression, civic activism through online platforms and social media, and democratic erosion in Indonesia's changing digital context. The findings contribute to the discourse on authoritarian resilience and the shrinking civic space in contemporary democracies.