PAN Youth Wing Secretary-General Clarifies Proliferation of Hoax Narratives Targeting Zulhas

Jakarta, VIVA – The Secretary-General of the Barisan Muda Penegak Amanat Nasional (BM PAN), Slamet Ariyadi, has firmly countered hoax information circulating on social media that aims to build a negative perception towards the PAN General Chairman, Zulkifli Hasan. “Our Chairman (Zulkifli Hasan) never said the phrase ‘the people’s only duty is to pay taxes’ as has been widely circulated,” stated Slamet Ariyadi in a written statement on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. His side also conveyed that the information spreading widely on social media constitutes a manipulation of public opinion, packaged in a dramatic manner. “The pattern of disseminating such information is part of a manipulation of public opinion that is deliberately packaged dramatically to build a negative perception against our leadership,” he emphasised. He also advised the public to be cautious in receiving information. In fact, according to him, all forms of information must be validated first to avoid easily accepting false information or hoaxes. “All forms of information must be validated first, and I urge the public to be careful in receiving information on social media that is not credible and from unclear sources,” he explained.