Hoax Spreader's Method Ahead of 17 August: Provocation Using Old Video

The Cyber Crime Directorate of Jakarta Metro Police has arrested a woman with the initials DM (45) in connection with the spread of a hoax urging people to demonstrate ahead of 17 August 2026. DM circulated an old video recording containing footage of various protest actions.

Deputy Director of Cyber Crime (Wadirsiber) at Jakarta Metro Police, AKBP Ardian Satrio Utomo, said DM is suspected of spreading the old video as a provocation, making it appear as though large-scale demonstrations would take place ahead of the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August 2026.

“Old demonstration videos were uploaded and then cut up, as if there were going to be a demonstration on 17 August — it was pure provocation,” AKBP Ardian told journalists on Tuesday (4/8/2026).

DM spread the hoax content through the TikTok account @devimahadika67, which she acknowledged as hers. She was arrested without resistance at her home in Ciamis Regency, West Java, on Sunday (2/8).

Ardian said the arrest of DM followed cyber patrols on social media relating to the spread of hoaxes that had caused public unrest.

“It began with a cyber patrol,” he said.

During the arrest, police also seized the mobile phone the suspect used to spread the hoax. Investigators are still delving into her motive for circulating the false information.

“The suspect is currently under interrogation,” he said.