President Jokowi: Don’t Let Hoaxes Divide Us

President Jokowi attends the distribution of land certificates in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung, Thursday (14/3). Photo by: Rahmat/PR

Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world and it is impossible for the Government to ban prayer call (adhan), abolish religious education or legalize same-sex marriage, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Our country is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world; we also have religious norms, moral norms, courtesy and manners. Thus, whoever the president is, (she/he) may not dare to do so,” the President said in his remarks during the distribution of land certificates in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung, Thursday (14/3).

On that occasion, the President invited all parties to prevent false rumors and hoaxes that can disrupt the stability of the nation.

President Jokowi also pointed out another hoax saying that he is a member of now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). The President explained that the PKI was banned in 1965-1966, while he was born in 1961. That means he was four back then.

President Jokowi said that many slanders, hoaxes, and fake news circulate prior to the upcoming elections. He called on the people to use their conscience to filter the slanders, hoaxes, and fake news.

“Let us use our common sense (to filter the hoaxes). Do not let fake news, hoaxes and slanders circulated on social media divide us,” he said.

President Jokowi further said that the most important assets of the nation are unity, harmony and brotherhood among its citizen. “We should always maintain (the assets),” the President concluded. (UN/RAH/ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Mia Medyana