Functions and Authority of the Indonesian Press Council in the Investigation of the Spread of Hoax News in Online Media

Abstract

This study aims to find out about the position and role of the Indonesian Press Council in handling cases at the investigation stage of the spread of hoax news through online media. This study uses normative legal research methods. This research was conducted using library materials or secondary data from various literature and laws and regulations related to this research. This research is analytical-descriptive, so the results of this study indicate that to find out the mechanism of the position of the Indonesian Press Council as a witness in the investigation of cases of spreading hoax news, the Press Law stipulates that in the event of a dispute involving legal issues, the Press Council is given the authority to resolve the dispute in question. Thus, the party harmed by the news must first exercise the right of reply as stipulated in the Journalistic Code of Ethics. Furthermore, the Press Council is not equipped with the legal authority to impose coercive legal sanctions. For example, journalists who supported specific political causes. Although the Press Council was able to identify him, the Press Council was not authorized to impose any sanctions. The Press Council will examine the journalist's journalistic work unless it is a public complaint. Suppose the journalist's job is proven to violate ethics. In that case, the Press Council can provide a statement of assessment and recommendations so that the press concerned can improve its performance while admitting its mistakes.