TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The communication and information ministry has lifted internet restriction in Wamena, Papua, on Saturday, September 28, since the condition in the region has returned to normal after the riot.

The ministry’s head of public relation bureau Ferdinandus Setu said the data access was reopened by considering the security in the region. “This is based on the coordination with the law enforcers and security apparatus,” he said in a written statement received by Tempo, Saturday, Sept. 28.

On September 23, the government decided to restrict internet access in Wamena following the rally and rioting triggered by hoaxes (fake news) and hate speech.

He explained the internet access was also reopened in 15 percent of area in Jayapura, as the other areas regained the data access on September 13.

The telecommunication and internet connection in 29 regencies/cities in Papua Province and 13 regencies/cities in West Papua Province have now returned to normal.

The government, Ferdinandus said, continuously calls on all the parties to not spread hoaxes, fake news, and hate speeches, as well as provocation through any media including social platforms.

“It’s important to keep the situation and condition in the two provinces safe,” he remarked.

DIAS PRASONGKO