KEBIJAKAN HUKUM PIDANA DALAM MENANGGULANGANGI TINDAK PIDANA BERITA BOHONG (HOAX) DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 (STUDI DI POLDA SUMATERA UTARA)

Abstract

The spread of hoaxes during the COVID-19 pandemic created social challenges, particularly through social media in North Sumatra. This study aims to analyze criminal law policy on hoax dissemination, its application by the North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut), and enforcement obstacles. This research uses a normative juridical method with a prescriptive and descriptive-analytical approach. Data were obtained through literature and document studies involving primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials, complemented by interviews with police officers and analyzed qualitatively. The findings show that hoax dissemination is regulated through the Criminal Code, Law No. 1 of 1946, Law No. 19 of 2016 on Electronic Information and Transactions, and Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code. Polda Sumut applies the ITE Law, while enforcement faces legal, institutional, infrastructure, societal, and cultural obstacles. The study concludes that hoax prevention requires integrated legal and non-penal approaches.

ABSTRAK

Penyebaran berita bohong atau hoaks selama pandemi COVID-19 menimbulkan persoalan sosial, khususnya melalui media sosial di Sumatera Utara. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kebijakan hukum pidana terhadap penyebaran berita bohong, penerapannya oleh Kepolisian Daerah Sumatera Utara (Polda Sumut), serta hambatan dalam penanggulangannya. Penelitian menggunakan metode yuridis normatif dengan sifat preskriptif dan pendekatan deskriptif analitis. Data diperoleh melalui studi kepustakaan dan studi dokumen terhadap bahan hukum primer, sekunder, dan tersier, serta dilengkapi wawancara dengan aparat kepolisian dan dianalisis secara kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penyebaran berita bohong diatur dalam KUHP, Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1946, Undang-Undang Nomor 19 Tahun 2016 tentang ITE, dan Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 2023 tentang KUHP. Penerapan oleh Polda Sumut menggunakan dasar UU ITE, dengan hambatan berupa faktor hukum, penegak hukum, sarana prasarana, masyarakat, dan budaya.