Assistant Secretary of Papua for Economy and People's Welfare, Muhammad Musa'ad asked the officers of the Coordinating Board of Public Relations (Bakohumas) to understand the ITE Law, considering that online media is now more accessible to the public in obtaining information.

This was conveyed by Assistant Musa'ad on the socialization of the Public Relations Coordination Agency (Bakohumas) role in the Digital Era of Papua, at the Papua Information Service Hall, Wednesday (6/23/2021).

The importance of understanding the ITE Law, he continued, so that Public Relations Coordination Agency (Bakohumas) officers can face the challenges of the Local Government in combating hoax news that is currently circulating.

"The characteristics of hoax news include this, provocative and incompatible titles, unclear sources, creating hatred, attacking and non-neutral, and solicitation to spread hatred".

"This kind of thing must be fought because there is a threat of punishment in accordance with the ITE Law for those violators, such as content violating decency maximum 6 years in prison. Then gambling a maximum of 6 years in prison. Contempt and/or defamation maximum 4 years in prison. Blackmail and threats maximum 4 years in prison," said Musa'ad during his speech.

He said another important thing that can be done in fighting hoax news and to educate the public to first check every information received.

Where it is the task and role of bakohumas team in supporting the dissemination of good and correct information.

"The point is to communicate well to the public, both through the media services provided by the government and social media that currently have mastered every aspect of human life," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Coordination Agency socialization activities in the digital era, held one day followed by 100 participants.

The purpose of the socialization is to improve cooperation, coordination and synergy of Communication and Information, Local Government, Coordination Forum for Regional Leaders, vertical agencies and BUMN / BUMD, in realizing information services to the professional community.

In addition, it is to have a harmonious cooperation relationship between the Public Relations Coordination Agency in Papua Province.