The task force will collaborate with digital platforms operating in Indonesia, such as Meta Group (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp), Google (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and SnackVideo.
"We are offering platforms the opportunity to actively participate in preventing the spread of hoaxes related to Pilkada," said Prabu Revolusi, the ministry's Director General of Public Information and Communication, on Monday.
He noted that the task force will be launched soon to help combat Pilkada-related misinformation.
As of Monday, the ministry had not yet recorded an increase in hoaxes concerning Pilkada issues online.
However, to ensure a positive environment leading up to the elections, the ministry is also utilizing various public communication channels while preparing for cooperation with digital platforms.
Revolusi added that the public is being encouraged, through both local and foreign media, to help maintain peaceful and conducive elections.
He also stated that the ministry is deploying personnel to educate communities without media access about the elections.
"This effort is being coordinated with the Regional General Elections Commission (KPUD) through the Communication and Informatics Office in each region," he said.
The 2024 Pilkada will be held simultaneously across Indonesia on November 27.
On Friday, Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi said that his ministry is focusing on three key issues for the upcoming elections: increasing voter turnout, addressing issues related to ethnicity, religion, race, and societal groups, and boosting public confidence in democracy.
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Translator: Livia Kristianti, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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