"The media must be able to take on the role to assist the government in overcoming hoaxes. Before it is reported, they must confirm it with the relevant parties," Makbul noted here on Thursday.
He assessed that Indonesia currently faces a new threat in the form of propaganda through social media, including the spread of fake news. Various ways to carry out such propaganda include by provoking people to hate the legitimate government, he added.
Another way is through agitation or carrying out propaganda to create disturbances in security and order in society.
Hence, he urged the public to not easily spread unconfirmed news through social media. He also appealed to people to filter any information received from social media to avoid spreading hoaxes and to steer clear from unlawful acts.
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He explained that the propaganda efforts uncovered by the government were usually made through social media and were allegedly carried out on purpose.
Propaganda aims to shape perceptions, provide information, and influence people, thereby causing chaos among the people.
"An example is the demonstration over the Omnibus Law in Jakarta. Many students were instigated and provoked to take part in the demo, and the participants were paid. They did not know why they are taking part in the demonstration," he pointed out.
The provocation efforts targeting law enforcement officers aim to lure the police into taking actions that can violate the law and human rights. Threats through social media are enormous and can affect the human mind and public opinion very quickly, he remarked.
Meanwhile, Makbul noted that it was currently quite easy to disseminate information, and in a matter of just few seconds, the information is immediately spread to the public.
"Threats through social media are very powerful. Propaganda to the public can be done quickly and cheaply. Of course, this is very dangerous," he affirmed.
Hence, he emphasized the need for efforts from the public to defend the country in accordance with Articles 27 and 31 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia in order to strengthen the country's defense and security.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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