Hoaxes, Fake News Must be Tackled: President Jokowi

President Jokowi shakes hand with students at the Indonesian Students’ Appreciation for Nationalism event held in Bogor, West Java Province, Wednesday (10/10) (Photo: OJI/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked around 540 participants of the Indonesian Students’ Appreciation for Nationalism (AKSI) to help tackle hoaxes, fake news, and slanders widely spread on social media when attending a gathering with AKSI, at Grand Mulya Resort and Convention Hotel, Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Wednesday (10/10).

On the occasion, President Jokowi said that Indonesia is a great country with 263 million people, 514 districts / cities, and 34 provinces.

According to the President, Indonesia is different with other countries as we are blessed with diversity. “Different ethnicities, different religions, different customs, different traditions, different regional languages, we are truly blessed with all those differences,” he said.

The President then reminded the AKSI participants not to be contested because of diferent interests, including political interest. “This is very dangerous,” he added.

This country, continued President Jokowi, needs the young people to compete with other countries. If we are not united, we will suffer a great loss, he said.

President Jokowi gave one example on the benefit of unity. He recalled when Indonesia hosted the 2018 Asian Games in August, when all elements of the community were united, Indonesia succesfully secured 31 gold medals and ranked 4th in the Games.

President Jokowi also added that Indonesia will face greater challenge in the future. However, the President believes that these children have the potential and strength to compete with other countries.

Also present on the event were Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy. (FID/OJI/ES) (STU/LW/Naster)