As the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Simultaneous General Elections are underway, ensuring the security of the digital space has become a priority for the government to ensure the success of this democratic event, particularly as the stages of the 2024 Simultaneous Elections have already begun.
Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police, Police Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, stated that the digital space would be one of the platforms candidates use for promotion. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for direct interaction between candidates and the public. However, with the inclusivity of the digital space as the platform for the democratic event in 2024, it also possesses challenges regarding the spread of fake news or hoaxes.
“It is crucial for us to collectively pay attention to how this digital space is utilised responsibly. One of the critical aspects is to refrain from spreading fake news,” said Police Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri.
Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Asep Edi, highlighted the findings of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics after the 2019 election, which revealed that approximately 67.2% of hoaxes or fake news on social media were related to political issues. It serves as a valuable lesson and self-evaluation for the Ministry of Communication and Informatics to prevent the recurrence of such issues in the upcoming 2024 election.
“This should serve as a collective learning experience. Political competition in the digital space, utilising hoaxes, fake news, identity politics, and the propaganda firehose of falsehood, as witnessed in the 2019 election, should not be allowed to happen in the 2024 election,” Asep emphasised.
In preparation for the upcoming 2024 election, Asep urges aspiring leaders to responsibly and objectively utilise the digital space. The goal is to create a platform that facilitates the exchange of positive program agendas, visions, and ideas among the candidates. This approach aims to prevent polarisation and enables the public to make objective assessments, ultimately choosing leaders who have the potential to bring positive change to Indonesia.
He also appeals to the public to actively engage and not engage in antagonistic behaviour towards those who exploit the digital space for personal or group interests, especially those who seek to sow division in the nation.
To ensure a conducive atmosphere in the public sphere leading up to the 2024 election, the National Police and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics have signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent the spread and use of disinformation and prohibited content on digital platforms or social media.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) updates the existing agreement between the two parties to enhance coordination in the field of communication and informatics between the National Police and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics.
The scope of the MoU includes data and information exchange, preventing dissemination and use of prohibited electronic information and documents, security assistance, law enforcement, provision and utilisation of infrastructure, capacity building, and human resource utilisation.
The new MoU aims to create a clean, healthy, and productive digital space in Indonesia. The initiative aims to maintain the security and integrity of the digital sphere while promoting responsible usage. This effort involves various stakeholders, including the government, the technology industry, academia, and the wider community.
A healthy digital space pertains to responsible and positive usage that protects the interests and well-being of users. Meanwhile, a productive digital space portrays an environment where users can leverage technology for learning, innovation, and positive contributions to the nation’s development.
