"We want to determine their motives and whereabouts," the Indonesian Police` Director of Economic and Special Crimes, Brigadier General Agung Setya, said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Police has traced 70 social media accounts spreading rumors that were instigating people to massively withdraw deposits from banks and of a money rush on November 25 and December 2.
"We want to determine their motives and whereabouts," the Indonesian Police Director of Economic and Special Crimes, Brigadier General Agung Setya, said here Monday.
The police would investigate the motives and the involvement of the account owners in spreading the money rush rumors, Agung said. He could not confirm whether the accounts were managed by individuals or groups.
"We will track the initiator of the move," he added.
The police will also study the appropriate law to indict the perpetrators. They might use not only the Law on Information and Electronic Transaction, but also other legislation.
Rumors on rush money were illogical and had the potential to spark public anxiety, Agung said.
The countrys economy and domestic financial system are in good condition, according to the Indonesian central bank (BI) and Financial Services Authority (OJK).
Therefore, it would be irrational for the public to lose their confidence in domestic banks and make massive withdrawals of their deposits.
"We have to realize that our daily life is closely linked to the banking system. Salaries and public fund are managed by banks. It is part of our life. So, do not be easily provoked," he added.
However, the police has yet to summon witnesses in the case. "Let us see," Agung said.
Rumors on social media went viral during the past few days, on planned mass rallies that would be followed by a money rush.
The rally would be a follow up for the November 4 peaceful protest, demanding that the police take legal action against non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama for alleged religious blasphemy.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
