AI-generated deepfakes and scams spread widely in Indonesia
Masyarakat Antifitnah Indonesia (Mafindo) reported that AI-generated deepfakes and digital scams increased sharply over the past year, with 1,593 hoaxes mapped and 202 created using AI technology. The deepfakes have targeted political figures and sensitive social topics, while scams increasingly impersonate government programmes and institutions to defraud the public.
What happened
Masyarakat Antifitnah Indonesia (Mafindo) mapped 1,593 hoaxes between 21 October 2024 and 19 October 2025, of which 202 were created using AI technology. The research found deepfake use increased sharply, particularly in content with political and social themes.
A video deepfake of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani was created in a belittling tone that triggered public anger and normalized harassment. A deepfake of 'Ibu Ana with pink headscarf' was created to delegitimize a civil society advocacy group.
Reported impact
Digital scams have become increasingly sophisticated, impersonating government programmes and state-owned enterprise names such as social assistance, infrastructure projects, and job openings to defraud the public. These scams use leaked personal data and AI technology to target victims through chain messages, fake websites, and fictional job advertisements.
Index analysis
Mafindo stated that deepfake and scam content represent an escalating threat if not addressed through regulation, governance, and content moderation practices. The organization characterized deepfakes as a 'time bomb' and 'serious threat' if they target sensitive cultural, religious, and identity-based topics.
Governance controls
Mafindo and academic experts emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen digital information sovereignty and public resilience. Digital literacy was described as requiring not only technical skills but also critical thinking to counter misinformation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.