President Jokowi Asks NU to Clarify Hoax

President Jokowi delivers his remarks during the Ulema National Conference (Konas) and the General Conference (Konbes) of Nahdlatul Ulama in Banjar, West Java, Wednesday (27/2). Photo by: Oji/PR.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia Nahdlatul Ulama to respond to false news, hoax, and slanders circulated prior to Presidential and Legislative Elections to be held next April.

“I think NU should respond to these rumors and slanders,” the President said in his remarks during the Ulema National Conference (Konas) and the General Conference (Konbes) of Nahdlatul Ulama in Banjar, West Java, Wednesday (27/2).

The President also said that based on academic survey, more than nine million people believe in the hoax saying that the Government will ban prayer call (adhan) and that the Government will legalize same-sex marriages. He added that if the rumors and hoax are not clarified, the people tend to believe that the rumors are true.

“We must respond and explain (the fact) to the people, to our santri (Islamic students), and to our neighborhood,” President Jokowi said, adding that the hoax and rumors are dangerous for the unity of the nation.

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Mia Medyana