Palembang Police Apprehend Creator of AI Pocong Photo That Alarmed Residents
Personnel from Gandus Sector Police (Polsek) Palembang Restabes, South Sumatra, apprehended a content creator and distributor of artificially-generated images of a pocong (shrouded spirit) that went viral and triggered public alarm.
The Gandus Polsek Chief, AKP I Made Budi Harta, confirmed that the suspect, identified as F alias E, 24, an entrepreneur from Palembang, was taken into custody on Monday, 2 June 2026. The arrest followed police investigation into the content that sparked widespread speculation on social media.
“We have apprehended the creator of the viral content today. After examination and clarification, the individual acknowledged that the pocong photo circulating was the result of editing using AI technology,” stated AKP I Made Budi Harta in Palembang.
Currently, F is undergoing intensive questioning at Gandus Polsek headquarters. Police are investigating the primary motivation behind the alarming content creation. Although detained, F has not yet been formally designated as a suspect as the police continue their deeper investigation.
AKP Made explained that the massive distribution of the photograph across social media and digital chat groups led many residents to mistakenly believe it was a real event. This caused panic to spread rapidly throughout the community.
The public is urged to be more discerning and careful in filtering information. It is essential to verify data before sharing content on social media to prevent public confusion resulting from false information.
Responding to this phenomenon, Gandus District Head Jufriansyah stated that his office had requested residents to remain calm since the issue emerged. He viewed the AI-based hoax phenomenon as a new challenge increasingly occurring in various regions.
Jufriansyah also appealed to content creators in Palembang to be more responsible in utilising technological advances. “We hope creators produce creative work that is educational and beneficial, rather than creating fear within the community,” he concluded.
This case serves as a reminder to the public about the dangers of misusing AI technology to spread false information that can disrupt public order.