Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – The potential for fake news or hoaxes during a political year like now is quite high even though the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) is actively blocking thousands of accounts that are considered to be triggering hoaxes every day.
All levels of society are urged to be careful, not to immediately spread information that is not necessarily true and to be smarter in using social media. The impact of hoaxes can also be greater after the election, and can divide unity and harmony between religious communities.
This was conveyed by the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information, Rudiantara, after attending the 'National Storytelling' event entitled Polite Media for Peaceful Elections at the Gajayana Arts Building, Malang City, Saturday night (16/03/2019).
Minister Rudiantara said that his party continues to block thousands of accounts suspected of spreading fake news every day.
The Minister of Communication and Information acknowledged that the potential for the spread of hoaxes by various parties during a political year like now is increasing.
"In August 2018, there were 25 hoax news identified, validated and verified, while in December it became 75. In January 2019 there were 175, and in February more than 350," he explained.
From the data, according to Minister Rudiantara, the potential for spreading fake news is actually greater and to verify and validate it requires a special process. In this political year, around 24 percent of the spread of fake news is related to politics, especially the Presidential Election," he added.
He further stated that the high spread of fake news ahead of the democratic party has a very big impact on the integrity of the nation, because it causes friction in society.
"The impact also has the potential to be big after the election if all elements of this nation cannot respond wisely and intelligently," he continued.
Fake news, explained the bespectacled man, can be categorized as terror, because it creates fear and anxiety in society. The Ministry of Communication and Information also collaborates with account managers of various social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and acts quickly when blocking accounts that are suspected of spreading hoaxes. (say/yon)
