Ferry Irwandi Testifies in Khariq Anhar Trial, Explains Internet Meme Culture

Content creator Ferry Irwandi testified in the ongoing trial of Khariq Anhar at the Jakarta District Court on Monday (6/7). Khariq is charged with manipulating a screenshot of a statement by KSPI President Said Iqbal regarding the August 2025 demonstrations.

During the trial, Ferry explained that content formats such as superimposed text, memes, and satirical posters are a long-standing part of internet culture. He stated that these are commonly used as a medium for criticism, humour, and expression across various social media platforms.

“Throughout my career on social media, I see memes, posters, or superimposed text created by internet users almost every day. It is a part of internet culture that has developed for a long time,” Ferry told the panel of judges on Monday (6/7).

Ferry distinguished between content intended to manipulate and satirical content. He assessed that the post in question had clear visual alterations, such as the addition of a black block and changes in font type, which meant it did not appear to be an attempt to mislead with authentic information.

Regarding the August 2025 demonstrations, Ferry admitted that he took to the streets on several dates, including 25 August to 1 September 2025. However, he stressed that his participation was a personal decision as a citizen and not provoked by the @aliansimahasiswapenggugat account, which is the subject of the case.

Ferry also added that using material from the public domain to create memes is a common practice, even by official institutions. He himself is often the subject of netizen memes and considers it part of freedom of expression as long as it does not attack his private life.

In his testimony, Ferry stated that he only became aware that Khariq Anhar was the creator of the content after the legal process began. He also highlighted a pattern of inorganic content dissemination from new accounts during the demonstration period, though he did not directly link this to the defendant’s post.