Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai Strongly Criticises 'Ministry of Rudeness' Account Over Hoax
Human Rights Minister (HAM) Natalius Pigai is considering reporting the Instagram account @kementerian_kurangajar and 10 other accounts to the police over allegations of spreading false news or hoaxes.
The 11 social media accounts in question are: tune_junk (Instagram); ajroelrahman (Instagram); dj_iwan_tahura (Instagram); pekalonganterkini_ (Instagram and Facebook); ndeminsgaul (Instagram); kualimerahputih (Instagram); kementerian_kurangajar (Instagram); Ricky ELfarizi (Facebook); Apoy Sheno (Facebook); Nexs Times (Facebook); and Hermawati Ersya (Facebook).
According to a press release shared by the Ministry of HAM’s Public Relations, several hoax narratives circulating in the name of the Human Rights Minister include: “Yaqut’s corruption is in accordance with procedure, in my opinion it does not violate human rights”, “Pigai approves the KPK’s decision for all corruption detainees to become house detainees, that is one humane action”, “The acid splashing case is the victim’s stupidity and has nothing to do with human rights”.
The Ministry of HAM states that these hoax statements or narratives not only cause misunderstandings in society but also have the potential to cause chaos and are certainly contrary to the law.
“Hoax! I emphasise that this is not my statement. Anyone who produces this and spreads false news (hoaxes) is contrary to the law,” said Pigai, quoted from the press release by the Ministry of HAM’s Public Relations, Wednesday (25/3).
Pigai said that the spread of untrue information in the digital space has the potential to cause misunderstandings in society and harm various parties. Therefore, he said, it is important for all elements of society to be wiser in receiving and spreading information.
“In connection with the circulation of this information, the Human Rights Minister conveyed that his side is currently studying and considering legal steps, including the possibility of reporting parties who produce or disseminate false information to law enforcement authorities,” he said.
Pigai urged the public to always verify every piece of information before sharing it with the public and to refer to official government sources for accurate and accountable information. The Ministry of HAM, explained Pigai, is committed to continuing to maintain the openness of accurate and trustworthy public information, as well as supporting the creation of a healthy, ethical, and responsible public communication ecosystem.