By: Anindira Putri Maheswani )*
As the simultaneous regional elections are approaching, vigilance against hoaxes is the main key to maintaining security and public order. The hoax phenomenon that often appears before the regional elections can damage social order and cause chaos.
Therefore, it is important for each individual to be alert to the information they receive and ensure its veracity before sharing it. Let’s work together to maintain social security and order and avoid the spread of hoaxes for the success of the 2024 regional elections.
On Sunday, July 21 2024, the Head of Jalin Police, AKP Roberd, SSPdK, together with his members held a social security appeal at the KGBI Maranata Church in Silung Hamlet, Sepahat Village, Menjalin District, Landak Regency. This activity was attended by Rev. Marjono and around 60 church members, so that the event ran safely and conducively.
On this occasion, Landak Police Chief AKBP Siswo Dwi Nugroho, SH, SIK, through Menjalin Police Chief, reminded the importance of maintaining security and order ahead of the regional elections.
The Sector Police Chief emphasized that residents should work together to maintain social security, not become provocateurs, and not spread hoax news that could cause chaos. Apart from that, he also reminded parents to always supervise their children so that they do not fall into drug use. This message is very relevant considering the negative impacts that can result from the spread of false information and drug abuse.
Rev. Marjono also appreciated the efforts of the Sector Police Chief and his members in maintaining security and order in the area. He hopes that cooperation between the police and the community can continue to be good in order to create a safe and peaceful environment. This hope is a symbol of the strong synergy between the community and law enforcement in facing the challenges ahead of the Pilkada.
Efforts to maintain security and social order are not only carried out in Menjalin District, but also in other areas such as Salatiga City. The conduciveness of security and social order in the area has become a concern for members of the Salatiga Regional Police Headquarters Police by carrying out Enhanced Routine Activities (KRYD).
On the same day, night patrols led by Aipda Maftuchan visited housing and vital objects to anticipate security and social security vulnerabilities. Residents are encouraged to participate in making the regional elections a success by maintaining harmony and being wary of hoaxes. The positive response from residents shows support for the steps taken by the police.
Salatiga Police Chief AKBP Aryuni Novitasari M.Psi, MSi.Psi through Tingkir Police Chief Kompol Joko Widodo S.Sos emphasized the importance of a humanist attitude in maintaining the conduciveness of social security and order. This attitude reflects a more friendly and empathetic approach towards the community, which can ultimately increase public trust in the police. At the provincial level, the West Java Province Communication and Informatics Service (Diskominfo) also plays an active role in preventing the spread of hoaxes ahead of the Pilkada. In the IKP Fest 2024 series in Karawang Regency, Diskominfo is encouraging hoax saber units in 27 regencies and cities to carry out early detection of potential hoaxes.
Head of the West Java Province Diskominfo, Ika Mardiah, emphasized the importance of socializing the dangers of hoaxes from an early age. This is in line with the views of the Chair of JSH West Java, Alfianto Yustinova, who also encouraged the socialization of hoax prevention measures to the public.
On this occasion, the Head of the Postgraduate Political Science Study Program at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Mudiyati Rahmatunnisa, who was present as the main speaker, highlighted that hoax news always increases ahead of the five-yearly political party in Indonesia. With a large number of internet and social media users, Indonesia has become fertile ground for the spread of hoaxes. Therefore, it is important for the relevant agencies to continue to remind the public about the characteristics of hoax news, such as bombastic titles, invitations to share, and discrepancies between the content and title of the news.
The biggest danger of hoaxes is the potential to ruin the results of simultaneous regional elections. Hoaxes can misdirect public opinion and create distrust of the democratic process. Moreover, with the use of video editing technology, hoaxes can appear more convincing and easier for the public to believe. Therefore, digital vigilance and literacy are very important to protect yourself from misleading information.
Ahead of the 2024 regional elections, let us all be alert to hoaxes and play an active role in maintaining security and order in our environment. Make sure to always check the correctness of information before distributing it and report it immediately if you find a potential security and order security threat. In this way, we can work together to make the Pilkada a success and create a safe and peaceful environment.
Let’s use our differences as a strength to move forward and always maintain harmony. In facing the Pilkada, our active role in maintaining security and order and avoiding the spread of hoaxes is very important. By being highly alert to the information we receive and disseminate, we can make the 2024 regional elections a success and create a smarter and more peaceful society. Remember that every small step we take in fighting hoaxes is a big contribution to a better future.
)* The author is a contributor to the Persada Institute