The Center for the Study of Democracy, Constitution, and Human Rights (PANDEKHA) of the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), in collaboration with the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem), held a two-day public lecture from Friday, September 19, 2024, to Saturday, September 19, 2024. Twenty participants, including 10 students and 10 journalists, attended the lecture at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta.
The theme this time was "Prebunking and Journalism in the Era of Disinformation". The workshop material in the first session was delivered by a lecturer from the Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, Dr. Yance Arizona, S.H., M.H., M.A. Dr. Yance explained various problems that may occur during the regional elections, such as the potential for voter suppression and the spread of disinformation that can influence public opinion. Through this material, participants were equipped with how to detect misinformation and how to prevent it from spreading further, especially in an increasingly complex digital environment.
In this public lecture, the speakers explained the importance of prebunking, a method for detecting and countering disinformation before it spreads widely. The material presented included techniques for identifying signs of disinformation and how journalists and students can play an active role in maintaining a healthy information ecosystem during the 2024 regional elections.
"The public must be given the correct understanding before they are affected by disinformation, and this is where our role as literacy agents is crucial," said Dr. Yance.
During the practicum session, participants were encouraged to create prebunking content to disseminate accurate information and strengthen the quality of journalism during the election. The speaker also emphasized the importance of collaboration between journalists, students, and communities in combating disinformation that can influence public opinion.
Perludem concluded the public lecture with an interactive question-and-answer session. Participants were given the opportunity to discuss and gain further insight into the techniques taught. Heroik from Perludem expressed his hope, "With the knowledge gained from this public lecture, participants can become pioneers in combating disinformation and help safeguard the integrity of our democracy ahead of the 2024 regional elections."
This public lecture supports the achievement of SDG 16, "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions." The focus on information literacy and prebunking is directly related to efforts to build strong and fair institutions and promote transparent and manipulation-free elections. By preparing journalists and students to counter disinformation, this initiative contributes to increasing inclusive democratic participation, upholding justice, and strengthening public trust in electoral institutions.
Writer: Nasywa Ananditha Bilal (Pandekha)
Editor: Public Relations
