Human Rights Minister Considers Legal Action Over Hoax Using His Name

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai is considering legal action against the dissemination of false information (hoaxes) that invoke his name on various digital platforms, following the proliferation of misleading narratives that have triggered public misunderstandings. Pigai emphasised that several statements attributed to him regarding corruption issues and acid attack cases were never made in any official forum or public communication. “Hoax! I affirm that this is not my statement. Anyone who produces this and spreads false news (hoax) is acting against the law,” Pigai stated firmly in his remarks in Jakarta on Wednesday. The Ministry of Human Rights has identified several widely circulating hoax narratives, including the statement “Yaqut’s corruption is in accordance with procedure, in my opinion it does not violate human rights”; a claim that Pigai “endorsed the KPK’s decision to place all corruption detainees under house arrest as a humanitarian measure”; and a narrative stating that “the acid attack case involves the victim’s stupidity and has nothing to do with human rights”. Pigai assured that all these quotes are untrue and were never uttered by him in any context. In recent days, the Ministry of Human Rights has traced the sources of these contents and identified several social media accounts involved across various platforms. The identified accounts include, on Instagram, tune_junk, ajroelrahman, dj_iwan_tahura, pekalonganterkini_, ndeminsgaul, kualimerahputih, and kementerian_kurangajar. Additionally, on Facebook, accounts such as Ricky ELfarizi, Apoy Sheno, Nexs Times, and Hermawati Ersya have been detected spreading similar content. According to Pigai, the spread of these hoaxes not only misleads the public but also has the potential to cause disturbances and damage trust in state institutions. He stated that his side is currently studying legal steps that can be taken, including the possibility of reporting those who produce and disseminate the false information to law enforcement authorities. Such steps, he said, are part of the state’s efforts to maintain a healthy digital space and protect the public from the impacts of disinformation. The Ministry of Human Rights also urges the public to be more prudent in receiving and sharing information, and to verify the truth of sources before disseminating them in public spaces. Furthermore, the public is asked to refer to official government channels to obtain accurate and accountable information. The Ministry of Human Rights reaffirms its commitment to maintaining credible public information openness while promoting the creation of a healthy, ethical, and responsible digital communication ecosystem.