This study analyses how illiberal democracy impacts ecological security. As a conceptual approach currently developing in the academic world, ecological security offers more comprehensive operational dimensions than the previous views, which were separated between focusing on anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. Ecological security provides a reconciliatory solution that accommodates agendas, agencies, and policy instruments related to the state, society, and nature interactions. We argue that in illiberal democracy, there is a governance paradox, where the implementation of environmental policies is claimed to be effective. However, on the other hand, dissatisfaction and problems with the government's response to the increasingly dangerous and widespread ecological damage continue to rise. As an empirical illustration, we propose a case study of Indonesia, where, over a decade of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's leadership, Indonesians have experienced a decline in the quality of democracy - aka moving towards illiberal democracy. Our study is supported by an extensive literature review and a survey to check public perceptions about ecological security, which lead to an understanding of the implications for ecological governance.