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Indonesian government in hot water for using buzzers to promote policies
Recent cases of cyberattacks include the hacking of University of Indonesia (UI) epidemiologist Pandu Riono, who was known for his criticism of the government’s handling of COVID-19, as well as attacks on news websites tempo.co and tirto.id.
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The Twitter logo is displayed on computers' screens. (AFP/Loic Venance )
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ctivists and political experts have raised concerns over the growing prominence of so-called social media buzzers hired to engage in campaigning government policies.
The issue drew public attention after a number of influencers with large social media followings began posting content supporting the controversial job creation bill by using the hashtag #IndonesiaButuhKerja (#IndonesiaNeedsJobs). Three of them — radio host Gofar Hilman and musicians Ardhito Pramono and Aditya Fadillah — later apologized for endorsing the bill.
Indonesian Anti-Slander Society (Mafindo) committee member Anita Wahid said the heavy use of influencers to sway public opinion on controversial government policies while also drowning out dissenting opinions was among the latest methods in silencing criticism against the government.
Other strategies include the use of automated accounts, also known as bots, to promote certain political issues, as well cyberattacks on anyone vocally critical of the government, she said.
Recent cases of cyberattacks include the hacking of University of Indonesia (UI) epidemiologist Pandu Riono, who was known for his criticism of the government’s handling of COVID-19, as well as attacks on news websites tempo.co and tirto.id.
“At times, these bots keep promoting specific opinions on social media, creating the illusion that the public fully supports them,” Anita said during a webinar on Friday.
She added that social media users might post different opinions on government policies, but their voices could be silenced by a deluge of posts by bots.
