Indonesian Minister Calls Protest Videos Hoaxes, Vows Action Against Spreaders

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has dismissed circulating social media videos showing protests and riots as hoaxes. "I declare those videos untrue. There are no such hoaxes happening in Indonesia, in our homeland. Perhaps they occurred in the past. Going forward, there will be none," Chaniago stated Wednesday at the Coordinating Ministry's office in Jakarta.

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I declare those videos untrue. There are no such hoaxes happening in Indonesia, in our homeland. Perhaps they occurred in the past. Going forward, there will be none.

Chaniago assured the public that Indonesian authorities will identify and prosecute individuals spreading the false information. "Whose account is this? There's an account. We will find it. As I said, if there are indications and it meets the provisions of a criminal offense, we will take action, and we will act decisively," he added.

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Whose account is this? There's an account. We will find it. As I said, if there are indications and it meets the provisions of a criminal offense, we will take action, and we will act decisively.

During the press conference, Chaniago emphasized that the situation across Indonesia is secure and under control. He urged the public not to be swayed by the misinformation circulating online. "I want to take this opportunity to convey to the public not to be disturbed by this issue; we are handling everything," he said.

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I want to take this opportunity to convey to the public not to be disturbed by this issue; we are handling everything.

Chaniago further stated that the current societal conditions do not reflect the narratives being spread on social media. He shared personal observations from visits to traditional markets and malls, noting that activities are proceeding normally. "I even went out with my wife to see the traditional market, and it was all safe. Going to the mall was also safe. We even had trouble finding parking at the mall if we were a bit late, circling around," he recounted.

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I even went out with my wife to see the traditional market, and it was all safe. Going to the mall was also safe. We even had trouble finding parking at the mall if we were a bit late, circling around.