JAKARTA - The wave of Covid-19 vaccination's rejection that was triggered by the hoax news is unsettling the public. Even the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Informatics found 66 hoaxes related to the Covid-19 vaccine.

According to the General Secretary of the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information, Mira Tayyiba, there are three reasons for the existence of hoaxes. First, there's an intention to spread the hoax news. Then, because of the platforms and social networks that people use as media for spreading the news. There are also tools and services to create or get news.

“Those who deliberately made the hoaxes intended to make a fuss, as well as anxiousness. And for those who do not know, they share the news because they thought it was important,” he said on a talk show “The Role of Journalists to Fight Covid-19 Vaccinations Hoaxes.” by IDN Times and FJPI, Saturday (16 / 1/2021).

With these urges, Mira said that Indonesia was one of the countries experiencing infodemic or the wave of fake news and false information related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“From January 23, 2020, to January 15, 2021, the Ministry of Communication and Information has found 2,141 hoaxes on social media,” said Mira.

Out of the 2,141 hoaxes, there are 1,895 hoaxes which have been followed up. Meanwhile, the rest is still in process. The follow-up to hoax content is not only the deactivation of accounts, the Ministry of Communication and Information is also working with the Police Criminal Investigation Unit to file a lawsuit for those who spread hoaxes.

“In total, there are 104 cases handled and 104 suspects. 17 of them have been arrested,” he explained.

One of the hoaxes that have spread recently is related to the Covid-19 vaccine. Various kinds of fake news spread things like, for instance, the Covid-19 vaccine can damage the brain and change human DNA. Until January 15, 2021, there have been 66 hoaxes regarding this Covid-19 vaccine.

“One of the efforts to prevent the spread of hoax is communication, not only from the government but also from those who are associated. Journalists also play a major role in eradicating hoaxes that are currently happening,” concluded Mira. ** / Yeye