The Government Blocks Dozens Of Content And Issues Of Elderly Exploitation, Poverty To Disabilities

JAKARTA - Director General of Informatics Applications of the Ministry of Communication and Information, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan said as much as 56 content related to the exploitation of vulnerable groups on digital platforms had been blocked.

"Yesterday we blocked 56," said Semuel in Jakarta, Monday, February 6, as reported by Antara.

The ministry does not tolerate content on digital platforms that exploit vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.

He invited the public to develop their creativity on digital platforms through a variety of content. However, there are limits that must be adhered to, including not exploiting vulnerable groups.

"The keyword is please develop creativity, but, don't exploit, let alone the difficulties of people being exploited. That's not good," said Semuel.

The Ministry of Communication and Information has continued to carry out digital literacy to the public through the National Digital Literacy Movement. The more people who have been digitally literate, the Ministry hopes that the content presented on digital platforms will be of higher quality.

Recently, Tiktok removed online begging content by creators from West Nusa Tenggara at the request of the Ministry of Communication and Information. The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission has also appealed to television stations not to broadcast or invite content creators as guest stars.

The West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police is also reportedly examining the cast and creator of the mud bath with the aim of begging online on TikTok social media.

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini has issued Circular Letter Number 2 of 2023 concerning Controlling Exploitation Activities and/or Beggaring Activities that take advantage of the Elderly, Children, Persons with Disabilities, and/or Other Vulnerable Groups, which are aimed at local governments to prohibit exploitation of elderly citizens, responding to the emergence of begging content on social media.

Based on the Circular, governors and regents/mayors are advised to prevent begging activities both offline and online on social media that exploit the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and/or other vulnerable groups.