Hasan Nasbi Urges Public to Fact-Check Information Triggering Fear
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Presidential Special Adviser for Communication and Media, Hasan Nasbin, has urged the public to verify the truth of information that may trigger fear amidst circulating rumours regarding potential security disturbances. This statement was made by Hasan in response to issues concerning shopping centres in Jakarta and Surabaya that have installed fences due to alleged security threats.
“Therefore, we should not amplify bad news. News that spreads fear should be clarified. Journalists can check this themselves; they can conduct fact-checks to see if the current fear-mongering is true,” Hasan said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday.
According to Hasan, the public should remain optimistic as the country’s condition is stable and the government continues to implement various programmes. Hasan cited President Prabowo Subianto’s meeting with over one hundred officials from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), which featured two-way communication. During the meeting, various inputs from business actors were well-received by the President.
“The Q&A session with the President was constructive, and their inputs were well-received. There is no reason for us not to progress,” he added.
Furthermore, Hasan denied allegations regarding digital repression by the government. He stated that criticism of the government is still voiced daily, meaning no digital repression exists as alleged.
“Where is this digital repression? There is criticism every day. There is no digital repression. There is none,” he asserted.
Previously, social media had been abuzz with reports of several shopping centres in various regions, such as Surabaya and Jakarta, simultaneously installing fences. The Indonesian Shopping Centre Management Association (APPBI) stated that the installation of fences in shopping centres, including those in Jakarta, is an effort to maintain public order.
“The reason some shopping centres have recently begun installing fences is primarily for the sake of order,” said the General Chair of APPBI, Alphonzus Widjaja, when contacted in Jakarta on Friday.
According to Alphonzus, the installation of fences is not a new phenomenon, and many shopping centres have been equipped with fences since their construction. He emphasised that the fences are intended to serve as a boundary between the shopping centre area and the public sphere, including as a location for expressing opinions in public.
“There are also shopping centres located where people frequently pass through or are near demonstration sites, where managers require clear boundaries or perimeters for the sake of order,” he added.