Indonesia Enabling Environment Snapshot

Period covered by this report: November 2025 – April 2026

Indonesia’s civic space remains under pressure following the political transition after the 2024 presidential election and the nationwide protests that erupted in August 2025. The demonstrations were triggered by economic grievances and public dissatisfaction with government policies. The situation escalated after the death of a motorcycle taxi driver during clashes between protesters and police, sparking unrest across several major cities.

Authorities responded with a large-scale security response to the protest, while public debates on governance, economic inequality, and democratic accountability continued to shape Indonesia’s socio-political environment. At the same time, Aceh and several other regions in Sumatra were severely affected by floods and landslides linked to deforestation and environmental degradation in upstream watershed areas, causing significant humanitarian impacts and displacement. Civil society organisations played an important role in emergency response, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy related to disaster mitigation and environmental protection, as well as ongoing logistical and resource challenges. 

Indonesia’s civic space continues to be rated as “obstructed,” reflecting persistent restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as well as harassment and intimidation of activists and journalists.

At the same time, civil society organisations remain active in advocating for human rights, environmental protection, gender equality, and governance reforms. However, tensions between state authorities and civic actors continue to shape the enabling environment for civil society.