Prabowo Urges Students to Be Wary of Social Media, Cites 'Buzzer' Influence

President Prabowo Subianto has urged students to be cautious when receiving information from social media, warning that the digital space can be exploited to influence public opinion. Speaking at the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Prabowo stated, "Don't believe everything on social media." He accused interested parties of having the financial means to hire "buzzers" who manipulate opinions online, aiming to weaken the nation's spirit and confidence. However, he did not name specific individuals, organizations, countries, or provide concrete evidence regarding these parties. Prabowo linked his message to Gontor's value of "freedom of thought," explaining that this freedom necessitates critical problem-solving skills and the courage to acknowledge one's own shortcomings. He emphasized that the younger generation, destined to lead, must be adept at discerning information, interests, and facts. This address highlights the critical need for information literacy in Indonesia, particularly among the youth navigating the digital landscape. The "buzzers" Prabowo referred to are often employed to strategically disseminate specific information or viewpoints, thereby shaping political and social discourse.