Central Java Governor: Information Should Be a Tool for Building, Not Dividing

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi stated that hoaxes and disinformation represent a tangible threat that can divide society and hinder regional development.

Luthfi conveyed this during the ‘Wonosobo Against Hoaxes’ seminar held at the Sports Hall of the Alquran Science University Campus (NSIQ 2) on Saturday (25/4).

“Do not allow our society to be divided by untrue information. Information must be a tool for building, not dividing,” he said.

This event was initiated by the Gerakan Mantap Pilih Prabowo (GMPP), led by Mantep Abdul Gani, a prominent figure from Wonosobo, and featured several national speakers, including Prof. Iswandi Syahputra (Professor at UIN Jakarta), Indra Jaya Piliang, and Hersubeno Arief, a senior journalist.

The seminar, attended by more than 3,000 participants from various backgrounds—from students and online motorcycle drivers to the general public—served as the moment for the Wonosobo Against Hoaxes Declaration, led by Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat.

Senior journalist Indrajaya Piliang urged the public not to easily believe every piece of information circulating on social media without prior verification.

“The journalistic method is not to trust every piece of information that comes to us. First check its truth through various channels, such as Google or various AI platforms,” said Indra J. Piliang.

Meanwhile, Staff Advisor to the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Iswandi Syahputra, explained the difference between hoaxes and myths. According to him, hoaxes are usually related to politics and power, whereas myths pertain to cultural beliefs.

“The way to stop hoaxes from spreading quickly is by not continuing to watch hoax videos after five seconds. Because after five seconds, it’s the same as giving gifts, likes, and AdSense to the hoax creators,” he stated.

On the same occasion, National Coordinator of GMPP, Mantep Abdul Gani, said that Wonosobo has great potential to develop not only as a tourist destination but also as an investment area and residential city.

“Wonosobo should not just be a tourist destination city. We want to become an investment city, a place where people come, live, and contribute economically,” he said.

Thus, Wonosobo is expected to develop as a region that excels not only in the tourism sector but also has strong social resilience and high investment appeal.

“From Wonosobo, we declare that fighting hoaxes is a concrete step to safeguard truth, unity, and Indonesia’s future,” he added.