Public discussion to prevent hoax in society: Official

Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands  (Antaranews Babel) - Communication and Information Technology Office (Diskominfo) of Bangka Belitung Islands held a public discussion to ward off hoax, which could affect the society`s belief in the government, to improve development.

"Nowadays, there are many social media users who easily get information and news, which are not true, from social media; however, the public usually beleive it," Head of Diskominfo Bangka Belitung Islands Province Sudarman said here on Monday.

He stated that the discussion was also held to commemorate the Information Disclosure Day, as part of the government`s efforts to counter the false news in mass media.

"The rise of hoax can adversely affect the trust of the readers in the government," he noted.

According to Sudarman, the public must be critical while assessing information, in order to prevent hoax.

"The society must balance itself with critical thinking. We must be aware, observant, and logical to every news that we read," he explained.

He further remarked that the hoax could affect public`s trust in the government.

"The hoax related to the government`s program or policy will lead to a decrease of the public`s trust in the government," he conveyed.

Chairman of the Provincial Information Commission of Bangka Belitung Islands, Sugesti, elaborated that each related party must carry out this activity to eradicate hoax.

"Today is Public Information Disclosure Day. Hopefully, this moment can be utilized, whether government or society, to prevent hoax," he added.