Don't Believe Everything You Read, Tito Tells Public
Jakarta. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian on Saturday (15/10) advised the public to be diligent and critical when reading information posted to social media as election campaigns heat up ahead of next year's regional polls.
According to Tito, fake news spread through social media is used to boost the electability of certain candidates ahead of next year's regional elections, or to attack their opponents.
“I have seen several hoax news that cornered me recently, including false instructions from unknown sources, as well as the false order to probe on [politician] Amien Rais as if it came from my desk,” Tito said.
“There have been no such orders, especially related to Governor Ahok [Basuki Tjahaja Purnama],” he added.
Several social media accounts posted a hoax story claiming Tito ordered the criminal investigation unit probe Amien Rais following a demonstration held on Friday.
Tito said that during his term as Jakarta Police chief last year he established a strong working relationship with community leaders, including Basuki.
“If the relationship was not good, the public would have suffered,” Tito said.
“I urge the public not to absorb all uploaded and viral [news] to social media. Social media has no master, as everyone can make something viral for their own personal agenda,” he said.
“Let us show that we are a civilized nation with maturity in democracy.”
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