Police Urge Journalists to Avert from Provocative News Sources
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
Elections. TEMPO/Fahmi Ali
TEMPO.CO, Pangkalpinang - Bangka Belitung Islands Police Chief Brig. Gen. Syaiful Zachri called on journalists to wisely choose their sources of interviews, especially regarding provocative statements in the wake of the 2019 general elections that could potentially cause a public disrupt.
“The mass media has a major significance in creating harmony among members of the public. We suggest journalists wisely choose the comments issued by public figures that are good and non-provocative. Weigh-in the negative effects [of provocative comments],” said Syaiful Zachri at a public gathering at D'Ladju Bhay Park Bangka Belitung today, September 5.
Syaiful argues that news from the media on certain issues will eventually form the public’s opinion, especially among irrational readers. “Provocative news would certainly not affect people that think rationally. But the same cannot be said for those that digest news immaturely,” he continued.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, police have intensified their communication with the stakeholders through public gatherings such as coffee mornings in order to further stay in touch with numerous issues and conflicts that would likely arise.
