Recent Indonesian authorities have imposed a ban on Twitter and Facebook. Facebook has decided to ban Indonesian users posting content that could lead to communal riots. Many Indonesians have used social media to communicate and share information. Facebook's latest decision to ban Indonesian users from using Facebook for spreading hate speech is a terrible move.
It's interesting to see that an open-minded, progressive country like Indonesia would quickly change its image and limit access to popular social media sites. This article supports banning hate speech via social media, especially on issues related to race and religion. It is urgent because of the potential danger it could pose to Indonesian society in general and current active social media users from Indonesia. There is a possibility of an attack by terrorists from abroad on Indonesia, and the sensitive region makes it even more urgent to act now.
Already, there are many Indonesianans and foreigners calling for violence against Jakarta or the Indonesian government. Hate speech and threats made by Indonesian women and men against foreign Muslims who settled in Bali are further fueling this. The government and its establishment appear weak and in a very fragile situation. The ban on Facebook may be its first step in regaining control over its population. It will also preserve its social media pages and content in Indonesia. This is an important step in maintaining a healthy, united society.
Many social networking sites are now following the lead of the Indonesian government's ban on Facebook in Indonesia. This move could lead to Indonesian social media users turning against their government if it is implemented. Indonesia has been divided by religion since its inception. Many Indonesians still follow their religious beliefs and practices, even though they may not be publicly recognized by the government. This division will only serve to strengthen the opposition to the government and those calling for action via the banned social media sites.
This is why the ban on Facebook Indonesia will only encourage more people to use social media platforms to vent their frustrations and anger. These acts of rebellion will only increase the gap between the Indonesian government and its citizens. Indonesia still has a lot of work to do in digital literacy. It needs to catch up to other countries, such as Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, or Australia, to provide a better future for its future generations. It is not enough that the government bans Facebook. It must do more to encourage digital literacy and encourage users to use digital tools to manage and participate in social networks.
The Indonesian government faces many challenges in trying to find a balance between its digital literacy commitment and freedom of expression. It seems that it will only be a matter time before the ban against Facebook in Indonesia goes into effect. This is only possible if Indonesia adopts more conservative policies and moves away form liberalism and towards greater authoritarianism. These developments will only be known in time.
