Indonesia addresses balance of digital criticism and disinformation

Indonesian officials and religious leaders are discussing the balance between democratic criticism and the risks of digital misinformation. The government has emphasized its openness to public aspirations and criticism as a vital part of democracy, while cautioning against the spread of hoaxes, disinformation, and digital provocation.

KH M Cholil Nafis of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) noted that while social media allows for rapid idea exchange, it often lacks intellectual depth. Public relations practitioner I Gede Alfian Septamiarsa added that the speed of digital information often compromises accuracy and rationality.

During a plenary session, Speaker of the House Puan Maharani warned against allowing public spaces to be dominated by hate politics, polarization, and divisive interests amidst global uncertainty and the rapid flow of digital information.