Minister Meutya Hafid Urges Digital Caution Following Bandung Case
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), Meutya Hafid, has highlighted the importance of vigilance when interacting in digital spaces following a case of alleged confinement and violence currently being handled by law enforcement in Bandung. Responding to questions regarding the involvement of a digital dating application in the case, Meutya stressed that the incident serves as a reminder for the entire community to be more cautious when building relationships that begin on digital platforms.
“The alleged confinement and violence case being handled by the authorities is a shared concern. This case also serves as a reminder that interactions originating in the digital space, including through location-based dating applications, must always be accompanied by caution and good digital literacy,” Meutya said via a press release on Saturday (27/6/2026).
According to Meutya, the development of digital technology has provided many conveniences in building connections between users. However, technology can also be exploited by irresponsible parties to commit fraud, manipulation, and even criminal acts. To address this, Meutya issued an appeal to the public to be safer when using social media and digital applications, including dating apps.
Firstly, the public is urged not to easily trust information or identities displayed on social media. “Do not easily trust what is displayed on social media. Do not be fooled. What we see and read on social media, including on dating apps like Tinder, is not necessarily true and could even be the opposite. It might all just be an algorithmic illusion,” she said.
Secondly, Meutya reminded the public of the importance of maintaining control over personal data. Users are advised not to share sensitive information such as personal data, account access, real-time location, or other information that could potentially be exploited by criminals.
Thirdly, Meutya encouraged the public to utilise the various security features provided by digital platforms. Features such as reporting, account blocking, and sharing locations with trusted contacts can serve as preventive measures when users detect indications of suspicious behaviour. “Utilise the security features available on digital platforms. Use the reporting and blocking features, share your location with trusted contacts if available, and immediately stop the interaction if you find suspicious behaviour,” Meutya stated.
She affirmed that improving digital literacy is one of the keys to creating a safe and healthy digital space. By understanding the existing risks and applying the principle of caution, the public is expected to be able to utilise technology more wisely without diminishing the benefits offered by various digital platforms. “The digital space must be a safe space. That security is built together by responsible platforms, a government that provides governance and oversight, and a public that is increasingly adept at using technology wisely,” Meutya concluded.