Fake news on Indonesia election spreading as govt asks Facebook to take down over 450 ‘hoaxes’


Workers arranging ballot boxes at a warehouse of Indonesia's General Elections Commission in Yogyakarta on Nov 3. - PHOTO: AFP

JAKARTA: Election fever is just heating up in Indonesia but fake news on the polls has begun to spread, leading the government to release multiple clarifications and request that Facebook take down more than 450 pieces of disinformation.

The Sunday Times found that since registration for the nation’s top two spots opened on Oct 19, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics has added at least 15 election-related posts to its website to clarify pieces of fake news, better known in Indonesia as “hoaxes”.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Indonesia , Fake News , Election , Govt , One Too Many

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (Dec 28, 2025)
Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers arrive in China for trilateral talks
Taking no chances - Road closures, enhanced security for New Year festivities in Singapore
Beyond physical damage, floods leave deep emotional wounds in Indonesia's Aceh
Thailand sees the ceasefire with Cambodia as a strategic move and not a retreat
China teacher suspended for cursing at noisy pupils, hoping they would catch the flu
Philippine live births fall to around 1.36 million in 2024
Vietnam to provide free HPV, pneumococcal vaccines for children from 2026
Millions of Afghans face hunger as aid cuts deepen a humanitarian crisis, says UN humanitarian chief
Thais, Cambodians fear returning home despite border truce

Others Also Read