A familiar quiet: Prabowo and the return of managed dissent

A Familiar Quiet: Prabowo and the Return of Managed Dissent

One year after his inauguration, President Prabowo Subianto faces growing criticism that his government is steadily curbing civil liberties and tightening control over political expression. Observers point to a pattern of “managed dissent,” where public opposition exists in form but is restricted in practice.

Independent journalists report increased surveillance and pressure on media outlets. Civic groups claim that new regulations on public gatherings make it harder for activists to organize protests. Despite official statements promoting national unity, many view the administration’s actions as an effort to silence criticism while maintaining a democratic façade.

Controlled Media and Public Space

News outlets aligned with the government receive priority access, while critical voices face license reviews or legal threats under broad “security” laws. This approach recalls earlier eras in Indonesian politics when dissent was tolerated only within tightly controlled limits.

A former student activist noted:

“You can still speak out, but only in ways that don’t challenge the state’s narrative.”

Digital monitoring has expanded too, with social media users reporting warnings or temporary suspensions after posting political commentary. The line between maintaining order and suppressing dissent grows increasingly blurred.

Political Stability Versus Freedom

Prabowo’s allies argue that tighter control ensures stability during a period of economic uncertainty. They claim that unfiltered criticism and “foreign-inspired agitation” could harm Indonesia’s progress. Yet critics warn that prioritizing control over freedom risks returning the country to semi-authoritarian governance, reminiscent of Suharto’s New Order.

Human rights organizations have urged the president to uphold the constitutional protection of free speech. So far, however, the administration appears focused on presenting an image of harmony rather than addressing the growing sense of fear among journalists and activists.

“It’s not open repression,” said one political analyst in Jakarta, “but a quieter version of it — managed, predictable, and polite.”

Author’s summary: Prabowo’s government maintains an appearance of stability through controlled dissent, gradually reshaping Indonesia’s democratic freedoms into a managed and quieter form of public life.

Asia Times — 2025-11-28