“In response to intimidation and terror against several influencers, I ask the police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the motives and take firm action against the perpetrators,” Pigai said in a written statement on Friday.
The minister said Indonesia is currently experiencing what he described as a “democracy surplus,” where citizens are able to freely express their thoughts and opinions without restriction, including from the government.
He welcomed criticism voiced by activists and social media influencers, stressing that such expressions remain within the bounds of freedom of speech. “In this regard, government institutions do not restrict these rights in any way,” Pigai said.
Pigai rejected allegations that the government was behind the intimidation, emphasizing that the actions were not carried out by state actors.
Nevertheless, he urged the public to convey criticism responsibly, avoid personal attacks against individuals or institutions, and refrain from using criticism solely to gain personal attention or social media popularity.
He also underscored the importance of rational criticism, warning against logical fallacies such as ad hominem attacks, emotional manipulation, and overgeneralization. The public, he added, should likewise respond rationally to information circulating on social media.
The minister further reminded the public not to portray the government as the sole party responsible for the natural disasters in Sumatra, noting that no official investigation has yet determined fault or liability.
Following their criticism of the government’s disaster response, several activists and social media influencers reported receiving threats from unidentified individuals.
Ramon Dony Adam, widely known as DJ Donny, reported that a chicken carcass and a threatening letter were sent to his home on December 29. Two days later, a Molotov cocktail was thrown at his house.
Iqbal Damanik, an activist affiliated with Greenpeace Indonesia, also received a chicken carcass and a threatening letter at his residence, warning him to “watch your words if you want your family safe.”
Another influencer, Sherly Annavita, reported that her car was vandalized, while a threatening letter accusing her of speaking for personal gain was sent to her home between December 29 and 30.
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Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
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