Minister Zulhas Warns of Rampant Disinformation on Social Media, Calls for Media to Enlighten Public

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, commonly known as Zulhas, has stated that social media is now rife with disinformation. He expressed hope that the mass media can serve as a beacon amidst the widespread disinformation.

This was conveyed by Zulhas while attending the 2026 Press and Literacy Day commemoration at the Muhammadiyah University of Jakarta in South Tangerang on Thursday (13/8/2026). Zulhas initially voiced his concerns about the abundance of what he termed ‘wild’ information on social media to the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir.

“Out there, the media now, I don’t mean the mainstream media, but social media, Prof. Haedar. And social media, in my opinion, is already wild,” said Zulhas.

Zulhas then highlighted the disinformation, slander, and hatred circulating on social media. He classified this behaviour as ‘DFK’.

“We now have what is called DFK, DFK. DFK stands for disinformation, fitnah [slander], and kebencian [hatred],” he said.

Zulhas noted that much of the information circulating on social media is no longer determined by whether it is right or wrong. He observed that information on social media is now determined by who wins and who loses.

“Since we were little, we were taught right or wrong. But I see that out there now, it’s win or lose. And it’s not impartial. I see now that there is no impartiality anymore. Everything is about taking sides. Taking sides in politics, taking sides in business, taking sides with groups, taking sides with interests,” he said.

Zulhas then cited examples of disinformation that frequently circulate on social media. One example is information circulating about a person who is said to have died, when in fact the person is still alive.

“Once again, out there it’s difficult. Sometimes news now can exist even if nothing happened. Someone who is alive can be reported as having passed away. That’s how brazen it is,” he said.

Zulhas then urged the media, particularly those affiliated with Muhammadiyah, to disseminate truthful information. He expressed hope that the media could help enlighten the public.

“If the Muhammadiyah media becomes more widespread, what’s the word? More extensive, with more readers, hopefully, this will enlighten. So that later people will look for it, ‘Oh, this is the correct one, let’s read it,’” he said.