The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) has launched a crackdown on the spread of disinformation and defamation targeting the head of state, warning that those disseminating false information on social media face strict legal penalties under the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law.
The government’s response follows controversial remarks made by senior political figure Amien Rais. According to reports from Suara.com, Rais claimed that the influence of Cabinet Secretary Teddy has surpassed that of seasoned political figures such as Dasco and Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
These assertions have sparked a sharp backlash. Critics have described Rais’ statements as cruel slander and misleading
, as detailed by SINDOnews Nasional. In a display of support, the Chairman of Logis 08 stated he is prepared to stand by and defend Secretary Teddy against these claims, according to JPNN.com.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is currently identifying the spread of such defamatory content across various social media platforms. In a statement reported by Liputan6.com, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to curbing disinformation that targets the head of state.
This escalation underscores the sensitive nature of political influence within the administration and the government’s low tolerance for narratives deemed destabilizing. As reported by Kumparan.com, the ministry is actively monitoring digital spaces to ensure compliance with the ITE Law and to prevent further misinformation.
