Hoax could disintegrate the nation and assassinate a person's character
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Syarief Hasan believes that the spread of false news or hoaxes could trigger national disintegration.

"Hoax could disintegrate the nation and assassinate a person's character," Hasan noted in a written statement here on Thursday.

The MPR deputy chairman made the statement while delivering a public lecture organized at the Makassar State University (UNM), Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday (Feb 16).

To maintain unity of the nation, people must not become trapped by spreading false news or hoaxes, according to Hasan, a politician of the Democratic Party (PD), during the lecture themed, the importance of maintaining and strengthening national unity.

He lauded the theme of the public lecture as being appropriate and good to remind the younger generation of what had transpired and what needs to be done in welcoming Indonesia Gold 2045.

"The theme really stimulates young people to think critically in order to prepare and welcome the years to come," according to the former minister of cooperatives and SMEs during President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration.

The theme encourages young people in South Sulawesi, in particular, to be ready and really prepare for the year 2045.

"They are encouraged," he affirmed.

Success in proffering enthusiasm and inspiration to the academic community at UNM makes Hasan optimistic that such activities would also be organized in campuses in Indonesia.

"It is expected to become a routine program," he noted, adding that in every public lecture, nationalistic values must be instilled among members of the community and the younger generation.

UNM Rector Husain Syam highlighted that his campus often held public lectures that invited prominent figures and professionals.

"We invite various figures, professionals, scholars, and scientists to share insights and knowledge," he remarked.

Syam is upbeat that the figures, professionals, scholars, and scientists attending the forum would be able to inspire students, lecturers, and the public.

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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
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