The clarification was delivered by Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Frega Wennas Inkiriwang in response to a Tempo report published on Monday.
“As spokesperson, I would like to convey that this report is completely untrue, and we deplore this inaccurate media information,” Inkiriwang said in Jakarta.
He stressed that any proposal for martial law must go through an official process and cannot be submitted by individuals.
“The ministry has never discussed the matter. There was absolutely no discussion or submission. Therefore, I can confirm that what the media reported was untrue,” he added.
The Ministry expressed regret over the report, urging the mass media to uphold journalistic ethics, especially impartiality and accuracy.
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According to the Ministry, the narrative that the defense minister proposed martial law is potentially provocative and risks confusing the public. They voiced concern that it could lead to serious misperceptions.
“On social media, news has been circulating that uses Tempo’s publication, creating misperceptions that may result in misinformation and disinformation,” Inkiriwang said.
He added that the Ministry is considering exercising its right of reply and may report the matter to the Press Council.
“We also urge our colleagues in the media to be more prudent and careful so that inaccurate and unbalanced information is not disseminated recklessly and does not provoke the public,” he concluded.
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Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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