Look, Indonesia’s State Intelligence Agency Joins Social Media Fray

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian State Intelligence Agency has joined the social media fray.

If you fancy following them and maybe getting a follow-back, note the agency's handle on Instagram and Twitter: binofficial_ri. Its Facebook is registered under the username binofficial.ri.

It said it created the accounts in a bid to improve public information sharing.

The agency also stated its intention to solidify the country’s Pancasila values by turning to digital platforms.

Read also: Erick Thohir: Coronavirus Pandemic Pushing Indonesia to Go Digital

The social media approach is in keeping with two regulations.

According to the agency, the regulations are Law Number 14 Year 2008 about Public Information Sharing and Law Number 17 Year 2011 about state intelligence.

“In this fast-moving world, the Indonesian State Intelligence Agency finds it important to have official social media accounts. This is one of the ways to solidify Pancasila values in society particularly among the younger generation,” said Wawan Hari Purwanto, Deputy VII of the Communications and Information Department at the Intelligence Agency.

Social media has become an important virtual tool in today’s society, particularly among the younger generation.

Read also: Ex-Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi Gets 7 Years in Jail

Through its social media accounts, the agency said it hopes to improve relations with the public in a positive manner.

The three accounts will also serve as a platform to socialize the latest issues.

“With these official accounts, the public will no longer have to rely on other social media accounts that claim to be the Indonesia State Intelligence Agency,” Wawan said.

Social media use caution

Indonesia’s intelligence body further cautioned the public to use social media in a wise and informed manner.