General Manager of Telkom Witel Papua Sugeng Widodo stated here on Monday that information disseminated on an internet ban was incorrect news since Telkom does not have the authority to shut down or block access to the internet.
"State is the one that has such authority (to block internet access), based on the law, through the Ministry of Communication and Information," Widodo remarked.
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In the meantime, a Jayapura resident named Selviana remarked that false information on internet blocking had been spread and disseminated on social media.
"In addition to being circulated on social media, the information has also been spread in community groups," she stated.
Selviana was admittedly apprehensive that if another riot were to erupt in the city, the central government would shut down or block access to the internet.
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"Apart from being unable to know about the latest news, if there is no internet network, it will also be difficult for me to call my friends or relatives," she pointed out.
Earlier, mass protests had broken out at several points in Jayapura City. However, the police succeeded in bringing the situation under control. The incident created a sense of unease among some residents owing to the rumors spread that the central government will again block internet access to curb false news. Related news: RI rebuts Vanuatu politicizing Papua issue at Human Rights Council
Translator: Hendrina Dian Kandipi, Yuni Ar
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
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