Jakarta, Jan. 3 -- Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has urged the police to investigate acts of intimidation and threats targeting activists and social media influencers following their criticism of the government's handling of floods and landslides in Sumatra.

"In response to intimidation and terror against several influencers, I ask the police to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the motives and take firm action against the perpetrators," Pigai said in a written statement on Friday.

The minister said Indonesia is currently experiencing what he described as a "democracy surplus," where citizens are able to freely express their thoughts and opinions without restriction, including from the government.

He welcomed criticism...