KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian government is still considering a draft law to counter disinformation and foreign propaganda. Officials confirmed that the proposal has not yet reached the formal deliberation stage.

Minister of State Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi stressed that the initiative remains at the conceptual level. “It is still a discussion, it has not been officially discussed,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, January 16, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the government is still considering the regulation's direction and objectives.

According to Prasetyo, the regulation is intended to hold digital platforms accountable for the content they distribute, with the broader goal of protecting the public from misleading information and divisive propaganda.

He rejected suggestions that the measure would curtail freedom of expression. “We must think about the impact of these platforms, especially when they are used recklessly,” he said.

Prasetyo also highlighted the rapid technological development, including artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing that it should be harnessed for positive purposes rather than misused. “If used positively, we must be aware and keep up with technology,” he said, adding that strengthening digital literacy is essential to combat false information.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the draft law was conceived to counter foreign propaganda that could undermine Indonesia’s national interests. “News from foreign sources is often misinterpreted and used to weaken Indonesia,” Yusril said in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 14.

He noted that the draft remains under review and has not yet been formalized. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Yusril and Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas to begin preliminary discussions on the matter.

Minister Yusril added that many countries already have similar legislation to guard against disinformation and propaganda targeting their national stability, a challenge Indonesia also faces. ***