The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, still attracts most of the public attention since the last few months. Amid uncertainties in these difficult times, it also spawned numerous false information/rumours or hoaxes that triggers confusion among people.

In battling the coronavirus, the Government of Jakarta now not only puts efforts in stopping the transmission of the virus itself but also tackling hoaxes that are circulating in social media. The latter measures are carried out through Jakarta Lawan Hoaks (JalaHoaks) or Jakarta Against Hoax in English. Public Information, Communication, Information and Statistics Office of DKI Jakarta are tasked to run the operation.

Now Smartcitizen, with JalaHoaks, you can find a list of news, video, or information about COVID-19 which has been confirmed as disinformation or story that is deliberately spread to mislead its readers.

Hoax #1: Police Beating during Friday Prayer in Indonesia

Video of worshippers being beaten by police during a Friday prayer was claimed to happen in Indonesia. It’s circulated in public shortly after an appeal from the government to pray at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

JalaHoaks swiftly clarified the video as a hoax. As originally uploaded by Hindustan Times on Youtube, the incident did not occur in Indonesia. Instead, it happened in India which currently imposing a nationwide lockdown for 21 days. JalaHoaks also categorized the hoax as a False Context.

Hoax #2: Boiled Garlic Water Can Cure COVID-19

In late January, a post about how boiled garlic water can cure a coronavirus gained traction in social media. It said that the method already effectively proven by a moslem doctor from China. Also included in the said post is its recipe: eight cloves of garlic and seven cups of water. This information was later classified by JalaHoaks as a hoax inside a fabricated content category.

According to Sugiyono Saputra, a microbiologist from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), there is no scientific evidence that garlic can cure patients infected with COVID-19. JalaHoaks then explained that to date, no medicine or drug could cure COVID-19. 

Hoax #3: Government Temporarily Banning Sex Between Married Couple 

Social media again became a platform for false information after a photo of a letter from Governor of Jakarta concerning temporary bans on sex between a married couple to prevent the spread of COVID-19 surfaced to the public. This was quickly dispelled by JalaHoaks who found that the original version, Governor’s Appeal No. 5 of 2020, is actually a recommendation for companies to allow their employees to work from home. JalaHoaks categorized this hoax as satire/parody because even though there is no intention of harm, this false information can still cause confusion among people.

With ‘Look, Save, Report’ as its tagline, JalaHoaks also invites citizens to participate in making reports of dubious information through its official accounts at @jalahoaks on Twitter and Instagram, or via phone number at 0813-5000-5331.

Another way to make sure that you are not fallen for any hoaxes is to take time to verify it. You can do this by checking how recently an account has been created or searching for other more reputable sources.

Smartcitizen, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, make sure you get verified information and data. The Government of Jakarta has helped by providing the official information portal at corona.jakarta.go.id as the primary source for all matters regarding COVID-19 case in the capital. Stay alert, and help the government curb the spread by staying at home.