Jakarta — Following demonstrations that turned violent some time ago, the situation in the capital has gradually calmed down. However, the public is urged to remain vigilant against various misleading narratives circulating on social media and in message boards. Provocative rumors, such as claims that thousands of people from various regions will enter Jakarta to spark a new wave of demonstrations, are confirmed to be false and only serve to further escalate the situation.
Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of Public Information for the National Police Public Relations Division, emphasized that the public should not fall into the trap of false information. He warned that hoaxes are often used as a provocative tool to encourage people to take to the streets and incite riots. “I urge the public to respond to every piece of information with clarity. The main channels that can be used as reference are the mass media, journalists, and journalists who convey factual information,” he said.
Trunoyudo emphasized the importance of verification before believing or spreading circulating information. He believes the media plays a strategic role in clarifying emerging issues and is the primary reference for ensuring the accuracy of circulating news. “Every piece of information needs to be carefully filtered and its sources verified. Let’s make the mass media the primary channel for conveying accurate and credible information,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Jimly Asshiddiqie, also urged the public not to fall into a cycle of physical protests that could potentially lead to new unrest. Through his personal X account, he urged the public to express their aspirations peacefully and wisely through digital channels. “Given the widespread abuse and looting, all citizens wishing to express their aspirations should simply use social media, and refrain from physical protests, for at least the next month,” he wrote.
According to Jimly, this momentum should be a time for collective reflection to prevent public energy from being channeled into destructive actions. He continued, digital channels can be an effective means of conveying views while also providing space for the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to improve institutional governance.
Given the still-fragile social situation, Jimly hopes all parties will exercise restraint and avoid escalating the situation. He warned that chaos will only harm the common people, while aspirations expressed wisely can still exert moral and political pressure on decision-makers.
Hoaxes and provocative narratives clearly carry significant risks. Therefore, public vigilance is key to maintaining a conducive atmosphere in Jakarta and ensuring that aspirations are conveyed in a dignified manner.