ANTARA Bali Bureau Strengthens Elderly Capacity to Counter Hoaxes
Denpasar (ANTARA) - The ANTARA News Bureau Bali is strengthening the capacity of elderly citizens to counter hoaxes through literacy, as they represent a vulnerable group prone to information disruption.
“We hope that the elderly will become more empowered and independent, and less vulnerable to viral information that has not been verified as true,” said the Head of the ANTURA Bali Bureau, Ardi Irawan, in Denpasar, Bali, on Saturday.
According to him, by targeting the elderly, it is hoped that literacy programmes will become more inclusive and sustainable, in addition to targeting students and university undergraduates. This is because the rapid flow of information in today’s digital space requires the optimisation of literacy to prevent exposure to misleading information that can lead to social polarisation.
The media literacy programme was delivered by ANTARA Bali Bureau reporter, Dewa Ketut Sudiarta Wiguna, to 55 elderly residents currently enrolled in the informal education programme at the Wredha Harum Mahottama Elderly School in Tegal Harum Village, Denpasar.
The education session also serves to implement a programme for countering hoaxes among the elderly, following the speaker’s achievement of an Australia Awards 2026 short-term study scholarship at the University of Queensland, focusing on the challenges of mis- and disinformation, fostering information integrity, and media literacy in the digital age.
The material presented included an understanding of the broad outlines of hoaxes or false information, covering information disruptions such as misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. It also included tips on preventing exposure to hoaxes by enriching references and the simple utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
“We want to rebuild the critical thinking of the elderly so they are not easily exposed to misleading hoaxes that harm society,” he added.
The literacy activity was conducted through discussions and involved the active participation of participants, most of whom are elderly individuals aged between 60 and 75 years. The literacy session was held in an enjoyable manner, featuring visual examples such as photos and videos, interspersed with quizzes, physical stretching, and concluding with a group singing activity.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of Tegal Harum Village, Ida Ayu Putu Cahya Sugiantari, representing the local Village Head, appreciated the contribution of the ANTARA Bali Bureau in supporting elderly people to be healthy, active, productive, and more spirited. “This literacy increases the resilience of the elderly and encourages a better quality of life,” she said.
On the other hand, several elderly participants also welcomed the education, which increased their understanding and ability to prevent exposure to hoaxes, even sharing the literacy knowledge back with their families and nearby communities.
“This activity helps us respond to hoaxes, which have become a menace. We can pass this knowledge on to our children and grandchildren so that information is not swallowed whole,” said one elderly participant, Widowati Sugandi.
Another elderly participant, Pramono, also welcomed the initiative as it could increase their capacity to counter hoaxes and help them remain productive. “This increases our knowledge in making our old age meaningful,” said the 74-year-old participant.