Friski Riana, Jakarta – The Indonesian Communication and Informatics Ministry found several misleading contents that followed the Donggala earthquake and tsunami-stricken Palu in Central Sulawesi after the ministry strictly monitored the internet, social media, and online forums.
Based on their findings, six issues that have emerged were known to be falsified information or hoax.
1. A crack formed along the Bili-Bili Dam
The ministry said that facts state that the dam in question is currently under control and in safe conditions after the Mamuju Gowa Police Sector inspected the structure.
2. Photo of dead bodies lying around
The ministry concludes that the image is actually a photo from 2004 after Aceh was struck by a devastating tsunami. This image was redistributed through the internet following the tsunami that hit Palu.
3. Palu Mayor Hidayat dead
The Mayor was not exempt from being a victim of a hoax after information spread across the internet suggesting that the mayor had died. Which is contrast to the fact that the mayor is still well-alive and personally participating in the Central Sulawesi mitigation.
4. Announcement of aftershocks
False information that spread among the public suggests that an aftershock would strike the region again on October 2 despite the fact that no single country in the world posses the technology to certainly predict when an earthquake would strike.
5. Image of FPI member assisting victims
The image of an Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) member participating in the evacuation of Palu's mitigation is actually from another event, specifically the landslide that happened in Sukabumi.
6. Free flights from Makassar to Palu
False information claimed that military air support would provide free flights for families of the victims in Palu. Facts show that the Air Force's Hercules plane that is dispatched to Palu is mainly tasked to carry logistics, paramedics, medicines, readily edible food, and heavy evacuation equipment for areas in Palu and Donggala.