Sulawesi Quake: Gov’t to Arrest Hoax Spreaders

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing on Press Release after Limited Cabinet Meeting, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/10). (Photo by: Public Relations/Jay).

The Government is taking measures to ease the burden of the affected residents in the earthquake and the tsunami that hit a number of regions in Central Sulawesi province, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto has said.

“We are trying our best and hope for input and suggestions,” Wiranto told reporters after a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Rescue and Evacuation Efforts Following the earthquake and the tsunami in Palu and Donggala at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/10).

However, the Minister emphasized that hoaxes and misleading news that can unsettle the public will not be tolerated. “Such action is not justified,” he said.

Wiranto further said that he has already ordered Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to arrest anyone who takes advantage of the situation. “Such action is very detrimental to us, especially when we want to ease the suffering of the affected residents,” he added.

Regarding information on the post-disaster rescue and evacuation efforts, Wiranto said that the Government would announce the official news through official channels. “We have assigned the BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) as one of the official channels to provide accurate news to the public,” Wiranto said.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to reporters that continue to inform the public with reliable information.

“I think that is a very good input for the Government to improve the plans and implementation of the post-disaster rescue and evacuation efforts in Central Sulawesi and the surrounding areas,” Wiranto concluded. (RSF/MAY/JAY/ES) (GWH/EP/Naster)