12 Days of Internet Block; Papuan Agency Complains to Kominfo
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Senin, 2 September 2019 09:08 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Papua Communication and Informatics Agency head Kansiana Saleh expressed his complaint to the government about the policy on internet block. As of Monday, September 2, the government had been blocking the data access for 12 days.
“We have reported to the central government (Communication and Informatics Ministry or Kominfo). The internet is still being blocked, only phone and SMS that run normally,” said Kansiana to Tempo, Sunday afternoon, September 1.
Kansiana claimed to have received public protest for the policy which was imposed since August 21. The ministry reportedly decided to shut off the network to curb the spreading of hoax news.
Kominfo recorded 62 accounts actively distributed sensitive contents that might potentially spark public unrest before the blocking took effect. The contents were spread via Whatsapp Group, Instagram, and Facebook.
Kansiana hoped the situation will return to normal soon so that the government will lift the internet blocking policy. At present, he added, the people have started to run their regular activities. However, some still feared to leave their residences.
“Schools still closed until this Monday. Many of them also stay still at home,” he said.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA