Digital Attacks in Indonesia Primarily Target Citizens and Students

According to a report by the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet), there were at least 299 cases of digital attacks in Indonesia throughout the third quarter, or July-September 2025.

SAFEnet stated that this third quarter was the worst period since the beginning of 2025, as the number of digital attacks increased by 130 incidents compared to the second quarter, and by 219 incidents compared to the same period last year.

In Q3 2025, digital attacks most frequently targeted citizens, with 65 incidents.

The next largest group of victims was students, with 64 incidents.

"Among citizens, there were 15 cases of data exfiltration, 15 device seizures, and 8 threats. Meanwhile, among students, there were 20 cases of threats, 12 extortions, and 7 hacks," SAFEnet said in its report.

Private sector employees were the third most targeted group for digital attack incidents, with cases including threats, extortion, doxing, impersonation, and account suspension.

Next were civil society organization (CSO) staff and activists, who experienced attacks such as device seizures, data exfiltration, and threats.

Below are the details of the number of digital attacks in Indonesia in Q3 2025 based on the victims' backgrounds, according to SAFEnet data:

• Citizens: 65 incidents
• Students: 64 incidents
• Private sector employees: 54 incidents
• CSO staff/activists: 26 incidents
• Creative workers: 19 incidents
• CSOs: 14 incidents
• Journalists/media workers: 10 incidents
• Public institutions: 10 incidents
• Academics: 8 incidents
• Entrepreneurs/self-employed: 6 incidents
• Public figures: 6 incidents
• Government employees: 5 incidents
• Private companies: 5 incidents
• Lawyers: 3 incidents
• Media outlets: 2 incidents
• Student organizations: 2 incidents