Ministry warns public of hoax spread during election campaign period

It is predicted that during this elections, it will also increase, which could cause public confusion and could affect the running of elections and democratic elections...

A senior government official warned the public to pay attention to the spread of hoaxes during the 2024 general election campaign period.

According to the General Elections Commission (KPU), the elections' campaign period is from November 28, 2023, to February 10, 2024.

"Based on the 2019 General Elections, the majority of hoax news in the presidential election had content that referred as acts of provocation," Deputy for Domestic Political Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Heri Wiranto stated during a meeting here on Tuesday.

According to Wiranto, 45 percent of the hoax content during the 2019 elections was provocation, while 40 percent was propaganda, and the rest was criticism.

"It is predicted that during this elections, it will also increase, which could cause public confusion and could affect the running of elections and democratic elections because it could potentially divide national unity and integrity," he explained.

He further stated that the spread of hoaxes in the community can also potentially cause polarization if not anticipated.

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In addition, Wiranto cautioned that it can affect the perception of young voters that play an important role in the elections.

"The millennial generation and generation Z dominate the 2024 elections voters, namely around 56.45 percent of the total voters. Thus, young voters' participation really affects the continuity of Indonesia's democracy," he remarked.

He noted that the community needs to be encouraged to use social media wisely, spread positive information, and not act overly in supporting presidential and vice-presidential candidate pairs.

Wiranto stated that in addition to the spread of hoaxes, the other risks that can disrupt the elections are hate speeches and smear campaigns.

In the 2024 General Elections, scheduled for February 14, Indonesians will elect a president and vice president.

In addition, they will elect members of the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representative Council (DPD), and the Regional Legislative Councils (DPRD) at the province, city, and district levels.

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