"I think the development in information technology in the form of short message service, twitter, website, blackberry and other kinds of online services should be used for improving the life of our nation, enlighten the life of our nation and not for character asassination and spreading insults by irresponsible persons," he said.
President Yudhoyono said the impact of slander spread by "dark forces" could be overwhelming.
He said the man or men behind the act were irresponsible and un-manly because he or they would not show up.
"Do not continue spreading slander. Let us be good sportsmen and meet face to face," he said.
President Yudhoyono said when democracry had not developed and the press had had no freedom the state could act on them under the name of stability but there are mass media who could attack and discredit.
"Please, go ahead. That is freedom of speech but when smearing is done they must be ready to take responsibility," he said.
President Yudhoyono called against the continuation of the use of such method and appealed to the victims of slanders to exercise their right.
He viewed the situation that is developing now is part of efforts to pit one against another and therefore he called on the public to be alert.
He also called on the mass media to be wise. "Imagine what will happen if an unclear source is used as the source of information. What will the people get," he said.
President Yudhoyono said the Indonesia nation should be grateful that it now has a momentum and has been able to pass the hard times and should not waste its energy to meet challenges like this one.
He hoped life in the country would be morally based, ethical and civilized and everything could be accountable in a manly and not cowardly way.
(L.F008*G003/H-YH/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
