Central Java Police Conduct Cyber Patrol Against Pocong Hoaxes, Arrest Three Teens in Sragen

Sragen Police Resort in Central Java arrested three teenagers suspected of creating social media content featuring pocong figures that caused public concern. Head of Public Relations for Central Java Police, Senior Commissioner Artanto, said the three teenagers were arrested by Sragen Police Resort’s Intelligence Unit at a railway tunnel near Pasar Bunder in Sragen. The arrests followed patrols, including cyber patrols, conducted by Central Java Police. The operation was carried out in response to alleged hoaxes about ‘pocong bandits’ spreading on social media across several regencies and cities in the province. ‘Officers are conducting patrols and monitoring social media activity,’ Artanto said in Semarang on Thursday (28 May), according to Antara. Artanto said the three teenagers created content featuring fake pocong figures, which were live-streamed on social media. He added that the teens filmed videos at various locations, including Taruna Stadium and Sasono Langen Putro Square. The detained teenagers, identified as RA (17), RG (17), and JS (17), took turns wearing the pocong costume and filming the videos. Artanto said no other criminal motives were found during the investigation. The police, he added, are continuing educational efforts and cyber patrols to prevent similar incidents. ‘Digital spaces must be used positively, creatively, and responsibly,’ he stressed. The day before, Artanto explained that police patrols in Central Java were conducted in response to ‘pocong bandit’ rumours spreading widely on social media across various regions, including regencies and cities in the province. He said cyber patrols revealed indications of repeated videos and photos being shared across social media platforms with altered narratives or location details. The disturbing posts were circulating in Grobogan, Kendal, Magelang, and Cilacap regencies. ‘The areas mentioned remain safe, orderly, and conducive, with no reports of casualties or material losses,’ he said on Wednesday (27 May). Although the information was indicated as a hoax circulating on social media, he said all personnel were ordered to continue preventive measures to ensure public safety. He said all personnel had been instructed to increase night patrols, especially during high-risk hours in residential areas, quiet roads, and poorly lit locations. He also urged the public to use the 110 hotline to report suspicious activities threatening public order and security. ‘Do not take the law into your own hands. Prioritise safety and report immediately to the 110 hotline,’ he added. He added that police are continuing to investigate social media accounts suspected of spreading the ‘pocong bandit’ terror. ‘If there is evidence of intent, we will take strict action,’ he said.