Hanns Seidel Foundation co-operation with the Habibie Centre
National Seminar on “the Role of Mass Media in the Era of Digital Democracy”
Resident Representative Dr. Daniel Heilmann delivers the opening remarks.
HSF
Problem of internet hoaxes and fake news
Freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Indonesian constitution. But hoaxes, hate speech and fake news are a serious problem in the internet. It keeps increasing and creates a negative impact on people. People are more and more polarized for example regarding identity issues. This poses a threat to democracy itself.
Positive aspects of digital media
A positive impact of the digital technology is that it raises political awareness of millennials (17-35 years old). Millennials use social media as a main source of information, so credible information on political issues will contribute to a high participation of millennials in the democratic process.
The expert panel discussed about the influence of mass media in the era of digital democracy.
HSF
Keynote Speech
Prof. Henri Subiakto, adviser to the Communication and Information Minister, in his keynote speech highlighted that digital technology connects people. It gives the authority to everyone to be a commentator and a journalist. This is a high responsibility, and the reason why information is easily manipulated in the internet.
Following the keynote speech, the panel of experts discussed these issues in more detail.