Indonesia to limit social media features to prevent hoaxes amid unrest: Minister

Six people were killed in unrest that gripped parts of Jakarta after the election commission confirmed that President Joko Widodo won last month's election. PHOTO: AFP

JAKARTA (REUTERS, DPA) - Indonesia will partially block social media to prevent the spread of hoaxes after violence in the capital, Jakarta, following the announcement of official election results, the chief security minister said on Wednesday (May 22).

"To avoid provocations, the spread of fake news through the community, we will limit access to certain features on social media," said Mr Wiranto, who uses one name.

He said there is "a scenario to create chaos, spread antipathy and hatred against the government", adding that the public should not be "influenced by irrational information".

Six people were killed in unrest that gripped parts of Jakarta on Tuesday (May 21) night after the election commission confirmed that President Joko Widodo won last month's election.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.