REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SENTUL -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has instructed the Indonesian Police chief to not hesitate in dealing with a social media group called the Muslim Cyber Army (MCA) if they are proven of have violated laws. "I have ordered the National Police chief to take stern action and to not hesitate, if there is a violation," President Jokowi remarked here, Tuesday.
Legal enforcement measures against groups, such as Saracen and MCA, that could cause national disintegration and are proven to have violated laws, should not be imposed halfheartedly, he emphasized.
"We must know whether there is a violation of the law. In that case, I instruct (the Police) to hunt and eradicate completely, regardless of whether it is Saracen or MCA. Do not be halfhearted (in your approach)," the president emphasized.
The spread of fake news is rampant and could cause national disintegration, he noted.
"It could cause national disintegration, if such an issue continues. Be careful, as it is not known whether the motive is economic or political (in nature). It cannot be allowed that way," he stated.
Jokowi has ordered the Police to handle the matter and report to him once it is completely tackled.
Following the Police's arrests of several people claimed to be the administrators of MCA, activities on social media have failed to calm down, he pointed out.
"No, it is still heated. I have ordered to deal with it completely to calm down (the matter)," the president remarked.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nusantara Task Force police Ins. Gen. Gatot Eddy Pramono noted that the MCA had spread false news comprising insinuations, hate speeches, and attacks on religious leaders to create rifts.
"The motive is political in nature. By spreading hoaxes, they aim to denigrate the government, trigger public unrest, split the nation, and ultimately create a major social conflict," Gatot, an expert staff of the police chief for social economy, had noted on Monday.
Earlier, a team of cyber researchers of the Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) had rounded up six members of the MCA from different locations comprising Muhammad Luth, 40, arrested in Tanjung Priok; Rizki Surya Dharma, 35, from Pangkalpinang; Ramdani Saputra, 39, from Bali; Yuspiadin, 25, from Sumedang; Ronny Sutrisno, 40, and Tara Arsih Wijayani, 40.
Director of Cyber Crime of Bareskrim Brig. Gen. Fadil Imran stated that the group had regularly circulated video footage and false news containing insults and insinuations targeting state leaders and officials.
"They regularly post insulting statements about President Joko Widodo, Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, and other state officials," Imran added.
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