TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Scout Movement or Pramuka Day that is commemorated every August 14, is one of the main pillars to create an anti-hoax generation, said the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) head Susanto.

“The spirit of Pramuka can be an answer to deal with false information should we truly abide by the scout law or Dasa Dharma,” Susanto said, mentioning the tenth verse of Dasa Dharma which is “have purity in mind, words, and act”.

People who have pure thoughts, words, and actions will not make and spread lies to the public. Moreover, in line with the rapid technology and information development, hoax becomes one of the real challenges faced by Indonesian and other nations.

“Fake news continues to emerge and spread through various social media platforms, albeit it has been blocked by the Communication and Informatics Ministry,” Susanto added.

The phenomena, he went on, was attributable to the post-truth, when truth no longer relies on facts but emotional and subjective views.

“As a result, not a few people including children believe in viral news without ensuring the fact,” he said.

According to Susanto, when a child grows without having an ability to filter information, he will be vulnerable to be exposed to a hoax that can cause adverse impact to national and state life, as well as weaken the quality of the national character.

“Therefore, Pramuka as a movement that builds up children and the young generation has an important role. Happy Pramuka Day, [I] wish the quality of Indonesia children will be better in the future,” Susanto concluded.

ANTARA