PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN (Jakarta)– The spread of unverified information in digital spaces has once again drawn public attention. Recently, circulating messages on social media have named several national and regional figures, including House of Representatives members Muslim Ayub and Nazaruddin Dek Gam, linking them to allegations regarding project arrangements within the National Nutrition Agency (BGN).
To date, this information has not been accompanied by evidence that can be objectively verified or confirmed through authorized official sources. Under such circumstances, disseminating allegations to the public without clear basis risks leading to misleading conclusions while causing harm to those named.
Rifqi Maulana, Head of Digital Communications at the Indonesian Law Students Association (PERMAHI), emphasized that a state governed by law is built not on assumptions, but on facts, valid evidence, and proper legal procedures. Therefore, any allegation made against an individual must be accountable both legally and morally.
“Modern legal systems uphold the principle of presumption of innocence. A person cannot be deemed involved in an act merely based on opinions, suspicions, or narratives circulating on social media. Allegations must be proven through legitimate legal processes, not through public judgment,” said Rifqi.
He noted that while democracy guarantees freedom of expression and the public’s right to oversee state governance, these freedoms are not without limits. Every citizen also holds constitutional rights to the protection of their honor, dignity, and reputation.
Rifqi views the spread of unverified information as an increasingly concerning trend within the digital ecosystem. Many individuals or groups are shaping public opinion through forwarded messages without providing verifiable data, documents, or evidence.
“The distinction between criticism and slander must be clearly understood. Criticism is rooted in data and arguments that can be openly debated. Slander, by contrast, is based on unprovable allegations that can damage a person’s reputation. Democracy requires constructive criticism, not character assassination,” he stressed.
From a legal standpoint, disseminating allegations that attack a person’s reputation through electronic media may fall under the provisions of the Electronic Information and Transactions Act as well as the Indonesian Criminal Code. For this reason, all parties must exercise caution before sharing unverified information with the public.
Rifqi further emphasized that if there are suspicions of legal violations or abuse of authority, the state provides clear mechanisms for reporting, investigation, and evidence-gathering. The legal system should serve as the primary avenue for seeking truth, not trials by public opinion on social media.
“Anyone holding evidence should submit it to the appropriate authorities so it can be processed in accordance with the law. However, without solid grounds, spreading allegations will only muddy public discourse and undermine the quality of democracy,” he stated.
PERMAHI calls on the public to prioritize digital literacy, information verification, and respect for the principles of the rule of law. Amid the flood of information, exercising care in receiving and sharing content is a shared responsibility to ensure digital spaces remain healthy, rational, and civilized.
“What must be upheld is not only freedom of speech, but also accountability for every piece of information shared. The rule of law can only function properly when facts take precedence over opinion, and evidence takes precedence over prejudice,” concluded Rifqi Maulana.
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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