Lingkar Nusantara: Hashim-FolaPlay Narrative Potentially Defamatory

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Lingkar Nusantara (Lisan) Chairman Farhan Dalimunthe has assessed that narratives linking Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo to alleged share ownership in PT Folago Global Nusantara, Tbk (FolaPlay) without verifiable evidence could potentially constitute defamation. According to him, criticism of public policy is part of democracy, but unproven accusations against individuals harm the person concerned. “Democracy provides space for anyone to criticise government policy. However, democracy also demands responsibility. Criticism must not become an accusation that cannot yet be proven,” Farhan said in a written statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. FolaPlay itself is an Over-The-Top (OTT) service platform appointed as one of TVRI’s partners in broadcasting the 2026 World Cup. Farhan reminded the public to distinguish between criticism of public policy and accusations against individuals. According to him, criticism is part of the control mechanism in a democracy. Conversely, accusations regarding company ownership or alleged conflicts of interest must be supported by strong and accountable evidence. In modern digital communication practice, he said, the spread of disinformation is often carried out through systematic patterns. A narrative is built by one or several accounts, then reinforced by other accounts so that the public gains the impression that the information has become a widely accepted fact. “In communication studies, there is a term known as the illusory truth effect, where a lie repeated continuously will be considered the truth. Therefore, the public must be increasingly critical of any circulating information,” he explained. He called on all elements of society to safeguard the quality of democracy by prioritising communication ethics, a culture of verification, and respect for facts. “In today’s digital democracy era, content creators must not only be oriented towards virality and viewer numbers. Democracy will only grow healthily if information is disseminated responsibly, based on data and facts, not through narratives built on assumptions, let alone becoming a place for character assassination disguised as freedom of expression,” he said. Previously, Arsari Group denied information stating that President Prabowo Subianto’s brother, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, owns shares in PT Folago Global Nusantara Tbk (FolaPlay). “Mr Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo and Arsari Group do not have any share ownership in PT Folago Global Nusantara Tbk (FolaPlay),” said Arsari Group Vice President Corporate Communications Ariseno Ridhwan in his statement in Jakarta on Monday (29/6). Ariseno said the statement was made in response to various information circulating in the public sphere, both through mass media, digital platforms, and social media, linking Hashim to FolaPlay. He also denied accusations alleging the use of state budget funds for Hashim’s personal interests. “We deny this information because it is untrue, baseless, and not supported by verifiable facts,” he said. According to Ariseno, Hashim has no involvement, either directly or indirectly, as a shareholder, controlling shareholder, beneficial owner, management, or advisor at FolaPlay. “Thus, the accusation stating that the state budget used in the organisation and broadcasting of the 2026 World Cup was intended to enrich or benefit Mr Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo is misleading information and not supported by verifiable facts,” he said.