Indonesia says 486 pieces of content were restricted during August riots

Indonesia’s communications ministry restricted 486 pieces of content during riots in August 2026, officials told the national human rights commission.

The commission is questioning ministry and Jakarta police officials about the unrest and possible limits on internet and social media access.

One removed video showed Bambang Setiawan being beaten on a street in Jakarta by an unidentified group.

Setiawan, a mirror vendor, later died while being taken to hospital.

Ministry officials said the content was restricted because it was suspected of breaking criminal law, and that the video was considered highly graphic.

The commission is checking whether the content justified removal under the law.

The ministry’s director general had previously denied that the footage was taken down and said it remained available online.

The commission’s inquiry will examine the restrictions and whether they were legally justified.