Invite Media To Participate In Fighting, Minister Of Communication And Information Budi: Spreaders Use Deepfakes, Sophisticated Hoaxes Extraordinary

Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi (center) inaugurated the Press Room at the Ministry of Communication and Information Office, Central Jakarta, Thursday (2/11/2023). (ANTARA/Livia Kristianti)

Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi assessed that media reports needed to be present to suppress and fend off political hoaxes that grew and spread in the community during the 2024 election contestation.

The Minister of Communication and Information gave an example of hoaxes related to President Joko Widodo who gave a speech using Mandarin last week.

According to him, if it is not handled properly and is not spread by the media, it has the potential to create bad perceptions in the community.

"Well, they [hoax spreaders] use deepfakes, this is an extraordinary sophistication of hoaxes. So I hope the media can be present in public spaces and anticipate things like this so that our digital space is cooler and better," said Budi at the Ministry of Communication and Information, Jakarta, Thursday 2 November, confiscated by Antara.

Budi said, especially at the moment leading to the 2024 General Election, the speed and accuracy of the news from the media crew is important to create a positive and conducive atmosphere not only in the digital space but in real life.

Although it is undeniable that in the run-up to the 2024 General Election, news with political topics has increased and shows a lot of perception from various sides, he hopes that the media can raise the benefits and good values of the 2024 General Election.

"The role of the media is very important to socialize everything that happens. This is also necessary to grow the media as a public space, especially in the digital era," he said.