Rudiantara Likens Internet to Double-edged Sword

TEMPO.CO, Nunukan - Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara continuously introduced the internet to people in border areas, such as in Long Bawan Village, Krayan, Nunukan, North Kalimantan. He likened internet to double-edged sword with its negative and positive impacts. He also touched on the recent issue in Papua.

“I leave this to the Customary Head. This internet is like a double-edged sword; this can be a useful tool for cooking but also can harm people,” said the minister in Krayan 1 Senior High School, Nunukan, Friday, August 30.

According to him, the internet education and literacy must be disseminated gradually. Therefore, people living in border areas could use it properly and wisely. 

“Otherwise, our children who use the internet without education can make use of it for negative interest,” he added.

He believed not many Krayan people had opened social media accounts, and so they did not post negative contents. Because, he opined people who easily spread negative contents are those living in regions with broad access to the internet, particularly free WiFi.

“It can be hoax news or reports contain incitement, provocation. This is what our Papuan brothers are dealing with,” he said.

As reported, the government applied the internet blocking policy in Papua and West Papua following rampant distribution of hoaxes on social media platforms. However, he asserted Papuans are able to maintain communication via phone calls and SMS. 

Rudiantara also explained the policy was not taken by himself but the government. “This decision is made by the government, not myself or anyone, and temporarily for the sake of our common goods.”

CAESAR AKBAR