IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Political observer of Al Azhar University Ujang Komarudin lamented the government’s alleged move of hiring buzzers, which he said could cause the country’s democracy to be susceptible to deviations.
“Because democracy does not run normally as it is, it could be hijacked and exploited by buzzers and influencers,” Ujang told Tempo on Monday, August 31.
He asserted that a normal and healthy democracy did not require social media celebrities to organize the government. Thus, it would be inappropriate if the government manipulated public opinions by hiring them.
“It indicates the government’s unconfidence of its performance. It could also be a manipulation. Because of its poor performance, buzzers and influencers are hired to make it look good,” said Ujang.
If this was set aside, Ujang added, Indonesia would lose its spirit to provide the best for this country. Hard work and kindness, he said, would no longer be lauded.
The alleged use of buzzers and influencers’ services by the government was reported by Majalah Tempo’s latest edition of August 31, 2020. They were said to be recruited to reiterate several issues to the public. President Joko Jokowi Widodo’s brother-in-law, Andi Wibowo, was believed to lead one of the government’s social media teams.
Read: President’s In-law Allegedly Linked to Pro-govt Influencers
TIM MAJALAH TEMPO | EGI ADYATAMA
