To educate the public about the spread of disinformation in the world’s third largest democracy Indonesia’s communications ministry has announced plans to hold weekly briefings on fake news in the social media obsessed country.
In Indonesia, which has one of the highest rates of Facebook and Twitter usage among its citizens, fake news is regularly spread on social networks to fan existing social, ethnic and religious divisions for political gain.
Analysts have expressed concern about the role fake news might play in the upcoming election, as well as the spread of hate speech.
Communications minister Rudiantara said the initiative was designed to help the Indonesian public “sort through the news” in the lead up to what is widely expected to be a heated presidential election scheduled for next April.
The initiative would be kicked off as soon as possible, said the minister, and fake news stories – known locally as “hoax” news or “black campaigns” – would be accompanied by factual explanations.
“Every week we will announce hoax news,” Rudiantara told. “The ministry will not just stamp a story as hoax, but we will also provide facts.”
In addition to the public briefings, information will also be posted on stophoax.id, a website designed by the ministry.
>Juthy Saha
Indonesian government aims to stop the spread of fake news
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