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

The Cyber Crime Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya has arrested a woman with the initials DM (45) for spreading a hoax about a call to demonstrate ahead of 17 August 2026. DM disseminated an old video recording containing footage of several protests. Deputy Director of Cyber Crime at Polda Metro Jaya, AKBP Ardian Satrio Utomo, stated that DM is suspected of spreading the old video as a provocation, making it appear as though a massive demonstration would occur ahead of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day on 17 August 2026. “Old demonstration videos were uploaded and then edited, as if there was going to be a demonstration on 17 August. It was provocation,” said AKBP Ardian when contacted by journalists on Tuesday (4/8/2026). DM spread the hoax content through the TikTok account @devimahadika67, which she admitted belonged to her. DM was arrested without resistance at her residence in Ciamis Regency, West Java, on Sunday (2/8). Ardian stated that the arrest was a follow-up to cyber patrols on social media regarding the spread of hoaxes that caused public unrest. “It began with a cyber patrol,” he said. During the arrest, police also seized the mobile phone used by the perpetrator to spread the hoax. Police are currently investigating the suspect’s motive for spreading the hoax. “Currently, the person concerned is still under examination,” he said.