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Jakarta Post

Police warn public of fake news ahead of elections

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Fri, March 2, 2018

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Police warn public of fake news ahead of elections Against hatred: Facebook and WhatsApp app icons are displayed on an iPhone on Feb.19, 2014 in San Francisco. The National Police have called on the public to be alert of provocative issues spread via social media. (Getty Images North America/AFP/Justin Sullivan)

The police have reminded the public be alert of fake news ahead of the concurrent regional elections on June 27.

“We will investigate and bring up each of the issues. We hope the public will be more aware in posting social media content by avoiding hatred, defamation and provocations,” National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said as quoted by kompas on Thursday.

(Read also: Police uncover provocative issues syndicate)

The police are investigating the Muslim Cyber Army (MCA) group, which they say may have been intentionally created prior to the elections.

The group has been accused spreading fake news, including on the revival of the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), as well as assaults on ulema and defamed national figures on social media.

Setyo said the MCA aimed to divide the nation amid political tension ahead of the elections.

“If we find any proof of such acts, whoever is responsible will bear the consequences,” Setyo said. (sha/ebf)

 

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