Counterterrorism Agency to Establish Anti-Hoax Websites
Jakarta. The National Counterterrorism Agency, or BNPT, has joined hands with internet activists to curb the propagation of radical ideologies and hoaxes online.
BNPT officials and representatives of 23 internet communities met at the Alana Hotel in Yogyakarta on Friday (03/03) to exchange ideas and establish three websites aimed at countering radical propaganda.
The BNPT also appointed so-called peace ambassadors for various regions to participate in the anti-radicalism campaign.
The new websites will focus on positive and peaceful campaigns, according to Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman Kadir, deputy director for terrorism prevention, protection and deradicalization at the BNPT.
"We held discussions with internet activists here to build synergy and to encourage netizens to provide content that is peaceful, enjoyable to read and which do constitute hoaxes," Abdul said.
Curbing Radicalism
The BNPT held a similar seminar in Jakarta last month with the staff of several key government ministries.
BNPT chief Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius explained that as the internet is now an inseparable part of daily life, social media has become the new melting pot of ideas.
"Irresponsible parties, including radicals and terrorist groups, have taken advantage of this to spread propaganda or negative content. One of the issues we have observed carefully is the phenomenon of hoaxes that become viral on the internet," Suhardi said during last month's seminar.
"Indonesia has become proof of how the virtual world can be dangerous when used by radical groups," he added.
At the same event, Chief Security Minister Wiranto said hoaxes have become real threats. He said steps will be taken to curb misleading information on social media, which has the potential to harm the country.
"The dynamics of the threats change over time. If we are ignorant of these changes, we will be left behind easily," the minister said.
Wiranto also urged the public to actively resist provocation on social media.
The government has formed a joint task force to curb the spread of negative content on the internet.
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