Officials and Community Leaders: Avoid Anarchy, Beware of Demonstration Hoaxes and Social Media Provocations
Jakarta – Various community elements and local governments are reminding residents not to be easily provoked by circulating information or rumors, particularly on social media, which are often unverified. Hoax rumors, such as that thousands of people from West Java, Central Java, East Java, Banten, Lampung, and Makassar will enter Jakarta to protest, are untrue and only serve to exacerbate the situation in the country.
Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of Public Information for the National Police Public Relations Division, reminded the public not to be easily provoked by calls for demonstrations that could potentially lead to unrest on social media, including WhatsApp chain messages. This warning was issued following the circulation of messages calling for unrest that have been widely shared in recent days.
“I urge the public to respond to all information with clarity. The primary channels of reference are mass media, reporters, and journalists who deliver factual information,” he said.
The Head of the Information and Communication Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Leadership Council, Masduki Baidlowi, invited the public to participate in maintaining order and not be provoked by calls for anarchic demonstrations.
“For the lower classes, earning a living is crucial. Therefore, please stop the demonstrations; they must not lead to anarchy and destruction,” said Masduki Baidlowi.
Previously, the General Chairperson of the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (DPP KNPI), Haris Pertama, also emphasized that his party instructed all members in the regions to help maintain order amidst the wave of demonstrations that were leading to anarchy.
“All KNPI officials at provincial, city, and district levels must not be provoked. Maintain order and remain focused on the goals of democracy for the common good,” Haris said.
Haris also appealed to protesters to voice their aspirations within the legal framework and to avoid damaging public facilities that are currently shared.
Meanwhile, Bandung Deputy Mayor Erwin urged all elements of society to maintain peace, order, and security. He emphasized the importance of unity and a wise approach to creating a conducive city environment.
“My beloved citizens of Bandung, amidst the dynamics and turmoil of the situation we are facing, let us reflect on the importance of maintaining peace, order, and security,” said Erwin.
In Lampung, the Chairman of the Lampung MUI, Prof. Mukri, emphasized that the anarchic actions that have recently colored demonstrations in various regions have actually worsened the situation and caused collective losses.
“If the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) building is burned down or government offices destroyed, who will suffer? All of us, the people. Therefore, the MUI hopes that no one will be provoked,” he stressed.
Actress Nana Mirdad also called on the public to be more careful in receiving and sharing information amidst the increasing number of demonstrations in several regions.
“Be careful in sorting and sharing news that is true and not,” he wrote in an Instagram Story post.
Elsewhere, several community elements in Pekalongan City, including religious, community, youth, and other organizations, expressed their condemnation of the demonstrations, which were conducted in anarchic ways, damaged public facilities, and even led to looting. They committed to maintaining peace, order, and stability.
The Chairman of the Pekalongan City Community Early Warning Forum (FKDM), Dr. H. Tubagus Surur, M.Ag, asked residents not to be easily provoked by pieces of information or issues that develop, especially on social media.
“We invite all elements of society, religious leaders, and community leaders to avoid anarchy and maintain the city’s stability through responsible means,” he said.
It’s important to note that in this digital age, information can spread quickly without proper verification. This has the potential to cause misunderstandings and tension in society if not handled wisely. [RWA]
