TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Minister Rudiantara discovered IP addresses originating from countries in the European continent that spread hoaxes regarding the riots in Papua and West Papua. He claimed that the contents were distributed to more than 20 countries, yet refused to provide the details.

“Most of them come from a country in Europe. But we record over 20 countries with mentions from that state,” said Rudiantara in his ministry building, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, September 3.

Rudiantara explained the hoax widely distributed on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. However, the spreaders were not necessarily foreigners in that country.

According to him, the latest data revealed there were 555,000 URLs used to spread false information, and over 100,000 accounts acted as the spreader. He said that the hoax spreading on Papua and West Papua was rife in Indonesia.

The hoax indications, he went on, were content containing incitement and provocation. “We can counter disinformation by clarifying that it’s untrue, but the most dangerous is incitement and provocation,” he said.

Kominfo Ministry restricted the internet data access in Papua and West Papua since August 21 following the wave of a mass rally in the regions, which was triggered by acts of racism and discrimination against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang.

Rudiantara announced the internet block will be reopened gradually starting Thursday, September 5.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI