By : Clara Diah Wulandari )*
As the Pilkada approaches, the public is expected to be more alert to the spread of incorrect information or hoaxes. In today’s digital era, hoaxes can easily spread through various social media platforms and instant messaging applications.
The public needs to be careful in receiving and disseminating information, especially regarding general elections, to maintain order and peace during the democratic process. Apart from that, cooperation between the government, media and society is very important to combat hoaxes and maintain a conducive atmosphere during the Pilkada.
Deputy Mayor of South Tangerang (Tangsel), Pilar Saga Ichsan, has reminded the importance of this vigilance so that people are not easily influenced by fake news. Thus, each individual has the responsibility to check the veracity of the information received before disseminating it further.
Pilar Saga Ichsan emphasized that hoaxes can damage the social and political order, especially in the period leading up to the regional elections. Therefore, the government through the Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo) continues to monitor news developments in various media.
The main goal is to ensure that no party takes advantage of the political situation by spreading incorrect information. Decisive action like this is very necessary to maintain the integrity of the ongoing democratic process.
Pilar equated hoaxes with slander, and stated that the democratic party which would soon take place should not be tarnished by this deviant behavior. The democratic party should be an event characterized by a positive spirit and active community participation.
If it is colored by fake news, then we have all betrayed the democratic values that we should uphold. Therefore, it is important for everyone to stick to facts and truth in every action and word.
Hoaxes that develop in society have great potential to cause hostility and division. Pilar emphasized that bringing down other people with hoaxes will not make someone better.
On the contrary, the democratic process must be carried out peacefully without hostility or insults, even though there are differences in choices. A mature approach in receiving news is very necessary so that the democratic process runs smoothly and the results obtained are the best choice for the community.
As a preventive measure, Pilar appealed to the public to be more mature in receiving news from various sources. He emphasized that whatever political choice is taken, we all have a shared responsibility to develop South Tangerang.
Hoaxes, slander and actions to discredit other people must be avoided because they will only damage togetherness and cooperation in developing the region. This responsibility is not only on individuals, but also on all elements of society, including the media.
Elsewhere, the Situbondo Police invited members of the press to play an active role in countering hoaxes ahead of the Pilkada. Situbondo Police Chief AKBP Rezi Dharmawan emphasized the important role of the media in educating the public and conveying accurate information.
It is hoped that the media can become a ‘cooling system’ that can reduce political tension ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections. Synergy between the police and journalists is very necessary to maintain security and public order during the regional elections.
AKBP Rezi emphasized that the role of the media in providing complete information is very important to prevent the spread of hoaxes. Journalists are expected to work according to their duties and functions, and remain guided by the journalistic code of ethics.
In this way, the information presented to the public will be balanced, not mixing facts and opinions, and respecting the principle of presumption of innocence. It is hoped that this effort can maintain conduciveness and security during the regional elections.
Chairman of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) of Situbondo Regency, Edy Supriyono, appreciated the steps taken by the Police Chief who invited members of the press to work together. He reminded the importance of clarifying incorrect information, especially on social media which is often a hotbed for spreading hoaxes.
Journalists must be able to filter information and present balanced news in accordance with the journalistic code of ethics. This is an important step in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the journalist profession.
In West Sulawesi, the Provincial Government (Pemprov) is collaborating with the Community Information Community (KIM) to prevent hoaxes through the Community Information Community Internet School (Senter KIM) program. This program provides training to people in a number of villages so that they understand how to prevent the spread of hoaxes.
Head of Information and Public Communication (IKP) of the West Sulawesi Province Communication and Information Service (Kominfo), Dian Afrianty, stated that this program aims to realize honest, fair, safe, peaceful and democratic regional elections.
This effort shows the West Sulawesi Provincial Government’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic process from misleading information. By involving the community through KIM, it is hoped that correct information can be conveyed effectively and quickly. The public is also expected to be more critical in receiving information and not easily influenced by fake news.
In facing the 2024 regional elections, the public must be more alert to the spread of hoaxes that can damage a peaceful and conducive atmosphere. The active role of the government, media and society in countering false information is critical to maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.
All parties are expected to be mature and wise in receiving and disseminating information, as well as participating in building a harmonious atmosphere. In this way, the Pilkada can run well and become a democratic party that truly reflects the will of the people. Let’s maintain the spirit of togetherness and mutual respect at every stage of this election.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara
