This Method Is Used By The Central Java Police For The Strategic Hoax Ahead Of The 2024 General Election

Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Ahmad Luthfi/ Photo: Doc. Central Java Police

In order to prevent the spread of hoaxes ahead of the 2024 election, the Central Java Police have prepared a Virtual Police Team under the control of the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Ditkrimsus). The team was tasked with conducting social media patrols to find hoax content, insults and other negative content that led to criminal acts.

This was revealed by the Central Java Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Ahmad Luthfi in front of the media, after signing the MoU with the KPU, Bawaslu and the Central Java High Prosecutor's Office at the Patra Hotel Semarang on Friday, February 10.

According to the Kapolda, the virtual police team will prioritize persuasive and educative steps by giving advance warnings to social media users who are caught creating harmful content related to elections.

"However, if a hoax is found that has implications for harming the community or destroying unity and unity, it will be dealt with firmly through law enforcement," said Central Java Police Chief Inspector General Achmad Luthfi.

Regarding the signing of the MoU which was installed by the Central Java Police with the KPU, Bawaslu and the Central Java High Prosecutor's Office, the Kapolda explained that this was done in order to establish synergy during the process of determining the simultaneous regional elections in 2024.

The MoU, which was signed between the Central Java Regional Police and the Propinsi KPU, is related to the Operational Task Force for the 2024 General Election. Meanwhile, the MoU with the KPU, Bawaslu and the Central Java High Prosecutor's Office are related to the Enforcement of Integrated Laws in the Election Stipulation Process.

The Central Java Police Chief said that the MoU with the Central Java KPU was not a follow-up to the MoU of the National Police Headquarters with the Central KPU in the context of holding the previous election.

"This (MoU) really needs to be done because the process of determining the election has been carried out. At the same time as a form of synergy to succeed, secure, guard and keep all stages of the election running well," he said.

In general, the Kapolda said that Central Java was not included as an area prone to elections. This is based on the vulnerability index released by Baintelkam and Bawaslu.

"Yes, Central Java is nationally not a vulnerable area but everyone must be prepared. Especially regarding the spread of fake news (hoaxes) in the community through social media," he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, who was present, witnessed the process of positively welcoming the signing of the MoU. According to him, togetherness and mutual cooperation of all parties are needed in maintaining stability and security in the process of holding elections.

With the participation of all stakeholders and the public in supervising the stages of holding elections, it is hoped that it will be able to produce elections with integrity and democracy both from the process and the results.

"All parties must carry out their roles consistently. KPU, Bawaslu, Political Parties, TNI/Polri, government officials and the entire community must work together, work hand in hand and work together to realize the Luber and Jurdil elections," he said.