Jakarta, The government is calling on all levels of society to be wise and responsible in using social media following the revote (PSU) in a number of regions.
This call followed increased netizen activity discussing the results of the re-election and the political dynamics surrounding them. The government considers social media a crucial platform for public participation, but it is also vulnerable to the spread of hoaxes, hate speech, and provocation that could divide national unity.
The Head of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Elections Commission (KPU), Sastriadi, emphasized that the revote process was carried out in accordance with applicable laws and strictly monitored by election organizers and independent supervisory bodies. Therefore, the public is urged to respect the ongoing legal process and await official results from the authorities, rather than relying on rumors circulating on social media.
“The revote process has been carried out in accordance with applicable legal regulations. Let us respect the ongoing legal process and patiently await the official results from the authorized institutions, rather than being influenced by unverified reports on social media,” said Sastriadi.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Papua General Elections Commission (KPU), Diana Dorthea Simbiak, described this year’s revote as the most conducive compared to previous years. The government also emphasized the importance of fostering a healthy digital culture, including prioritizing tabayun (verification) before sharing information publicly.
“The government reminds us of the importance of building a healthy digital culture, by getting into the habit of conducting tabayun (verification) before sharing information in the public space,” he said.
The chairman of the Indonesian Pastors Association (API) Papua, Rev. Jeremias Rahakbauw, urged the Papuan people to accept the results of the revote with open hearts. He believes the election results are part of God’s will, and therefore, whoever is elected must be accepted with full sincerity. By viewing the revote results as part of divine destiny, the community is encouraged to prioritize unity over group or individual interests.
“The election results are part of God’s will, so whoever is elected should be accepted with full sincerity. We can put unity above group or personal interests,” he said.
The government has confirmed that it will continue to coordinate with social media platforms, law enforcement officials, and regulatory agencies to combat the spread of disinformation that could potentially disrupt public order. The government is encouraging young people to be at the forefront of combating hoaxes by becoming digital literacy agents in their respective communities.
With the synergy of all elements of the nation, it is hoped that the post-PSU digital space can become a space for healthy dialogue, strengthen unity, and support national stability for the sustainability of Indonesia’s development.
