Bawaslu, KPU and IT Ministry Join Forces to Fight Fake News Ahead of Regional Polls

Jakarta. The Election Supervisory Board, or Bawaslu, the General Election Commission, or KPU, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on Wednesday (31/01) signed a memorandum of action to curtail the spread of fake news and hate speech in preparation for the upcoming regional polls.
"We hope this agreement can become an instrument that will protect the voters from fake news and negative content in exercising their right to information on the election," Bawaslu chairman Adhan said during the document signing in Jakarta.
According to a survey published by Bawaslu in November, 12 out of 17 provinces that will be electing their governors, district chiefs and mayors in June are at high risk of exposure to social media contents charged with identity politics.
The spread of fake news on social media is a challenge for all countries, yet Indonesians, who are among the most active social media users in the world, may be more at risk.
The agreement aims to coordinate efforts in supervising and managing internet content. It will include exchange of information between the three institutions, educational campaigns and stepping up public participation.
Operators of various social media platforms, including Google, Telegram, Blackberry Messenger and Line, made a joint declaration against hoax, announcing their commitment to support the government in eradicating content that violates the law. They said they will also cooperate in raising awareness on fake news.
Communications Minister Rudiantara told reporters that Bawaslu will supervise internet content with the help of the ministry, and can request the platforms that a domain or account be taken down.
In its commitment to fight hoaxes, Blackberry Messenger (BBM) Indonesia said it will form a special support team.
KPU chairman Arief Budiman said the use of the internet cannot be separated from the election process, as it is part of democracy itself.
“Hopefully now we have enough momentum to fight hoax used by those who wish ill for our democracy and elections. I hope we can achieve it through this cooperation," Arief said.
Tags: Keywords:POPULAR READS
PSI Attracts Over 13,000 New Members Following Kaesang's Election as Chairman
In the 2019 election, PSI failed to secure seats in the House of Representatives due to not meeting the 4 percent threshold.Indonesia Defends Nickel Appeal Amid WTO's Appellate Body Crisis
Since late 2019, the WTO does not have a functioning appelate body crisis after the US blocked appointment of its members.Trump Turns His Fraud Trial into a Campaign Stop
The dynamic was on full display Monday as the former president and GOP front-runner returned to New York for a civil fraud trial.Agriculture Minister Syahrul Abroad Amid Ongoing Corruption Probe
During the search on Friday, the KPK discovered 12 firearms and banknotes worth approximately Rp 30 billion ($1.9 million).Minister Dito to be Presented in Graft Trial
The corruption trial revolves around a government project aimed at building 4G internet infrastructure covering 7,900 remote villages.Popular Tag
Most Popular

