JAKARTA — It is important for the entire community to remain vigilant against hoax news that divides unity and to continue to work together to realize smooth and democratic regional elections.
The spread of hoax news increasingly threatens social stability and community unity ahead of the 2024 regional elections.
Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Kerebungu, M.Si., a social observer, believes that social media, which is actually a means of sharing information, is now being misused to spread hoaxes.
“Social media has become a place for divisiveness and polarization,” he stressed.
Certain parties deliberately use social media to create political chaos or form negative opinions about candidates in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
Therefore, Prof. Kerebungu invites the public to be more critical and wise in filtering information spread on social media.
“Don’t be easily fooled by unverified information. It’s better to seek information from credible sources,” he said.
Prof. Kerebungu also highlighted the importance of the role of government and related institutions in educating the public about digital literacy.
According to him, related agencies need to be more proactive in providing understanding to the public about the dangers of hoax news, especially those that can divide unity in local political contests.
He said that efforts to maintain social stability during the Regional Head Elections could be implemented if the community actively played a role in maintaining security by not spreading provocative issues.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Lodewijk Freidrich Paulus, also emphasized the importance of the 2024 Pilkada which overlaps with the strategic programs of the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
“This regional election is more strategic because it coincides with the first 100-day program of President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran,” he said.
According to Lodewijk, all elements of the nation need to support the democratic celebration so that it runs safely and conducively.
In particular, the younger generation or Generation Z is expected to play a role as a pioneer of digital literacy and become a community motivator in dealing with the spread of hoaxes that can disrupt the smooth running of the Regional Head Elections.
Warmadewa University academic, Dr. I Nengah Muliarta, S.Si., M.Si., also emphasized that Generation Z has a strategic role in combating hoaxes during the 2024 Pilkada.
He explained that this generation, which grew up in the digital era, has wide access to technology and information.
“Generation Z can work with various organizations to conduct digital literacy campaigns. They can spread accurate information and educate their peers,” he explained.
Muliarta added that digital literacy among the younger generation is very necessary to prevent polarization that has the potential to create social tension.
