Disinformation is going mainstream. The performance indicator is based on (the number of) clicks, and the clicks are always written in bombastic titles
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati emphasized that waging a war on disinformation, misinformation, fake news or hoaxes, and hate speeches posed an extraordinary challenge.

"The extraordinary challenge is (how to) wage a war on disinformation, misinformation, hoaxes or hate (speeches)," the minister stated during an online discussion here on Saturday.

The onslaught of disinformation, misinformation, hoaxes and hate speeches can trigger an uproar and tear the public apart, Indrawati remarked.

"How dangerous will the condition of a state be if it is full of hate (speeches) and hoaxes or fake news? This can really make the public feel disoriented and torn apart," she stated.

The US, with its democracy, now two centuries old, is yet confused as how to address the problem, the minister pointed out.

"Those who have, so far, favored freedom, personal rights, and the likes are still really overwhelmed by this issue," she cautioned.

Indrawati pointed out that currently, several news stories prioritized click baits to draw many readers by disseminating disinformation to the public, she stated.

"Disinformation is going mainstream. The performance indicator is based on (the number of) clicks, and the clicks are always written in bombastic titles," she remarked.

The minister admitted to having oftentimes become the target of falsified titles of stories she had never told.

"I frequently fall victim. What is the title and what is the content. It seems that I spoke like this, but then why is the title like that?" she questioned.

However, Indrawati admitted to the fact that being a state figure, her statements did attract public attention.

The minister appealed to the public or readers to glean through the sources of stories, so they will not fall victim to disinformation and misinformation.

"We must attempt to look at the source, or the so-called foundation of the distortion," she added. Related news: Police tackle 103 hoaxes related to COVID-19
Related news: Ministry records 686 hoaxes on COVID-19



Translator: Astrid Faidlatul H/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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