The 2024 general election in Indonesia has been marred by a disturbing pattern of threats and violence against critics, according to a report by Amnesty International Indonesia published on February 25, 2024. At least 16 incidents, including intimidation, police reports, and physical assaults, targeted activists critical of potential fraud and perceived meddling by outgoing President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. The victims, comprising artists, journalists, and academics, faced a climate of fear, silencing dissenting voices and raising concerns about the democratic process's integrity.

Amnesty International Indonesia's findings highlight the urgency to safeguard democratic processes, emphasizing that free and fair elections are fundamental to any democratic society. The documented incidents occurred between the start of the campaign period and February 13, the day before the election, impacting at least 34 activists. Supporters of presidential candidates challenging front-runner Prabowo Subianto also faced threats and violence, with President Jokowi's tacit support for Prabowo raising concerns about bias and interference.

The assault on critics extended to those raising concerns about alleged election fraud, making it a central issue during the election. President Jokowi's controversial remarks during a military aircraft handover ceremony in Jakarta, where he asserted a sitting president's right to back any candidate, fueled suspicions of bias and interference, challenging the delicate balance between a president's neutrality and personal preferences.

Addressing threats and violence against critics is deemed essential to preserving the integrity of future elections, and civil society organizations, media, and citizens are urged to remain vigilant in defending democratic values. As Indonesia grapples with the aftermath of the 2024 election, Amnesty International Indonesia emphasizes the need for accountability to ensure a safe environment for open discourse and dissent in future democratic processes.

The reported incidents of intimidation and assault targeting human rights activists ahead of the 2024 general election add to a concerning trend of violence against rights defenders from 2019 to 2023. Amnesty International Indonesia documented 363 cases involving 1,033 victims during this period. Even after the election, moves to limit free expression and assembly persist, as illustrated by the cancellation of a public screening in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, of the documentary "Eksil" about Indonesians forcibly exiled during the 1965 tragedy. The state's responsibility to protect such initiatives is underscored, urging transparency and accountability from relevant authorities.

BOB Post