Pocong Terror Hoax Becomes a Cover for Criminal Activity in Tangerang
False claims of ‘pocong’ terror have surfaced in the Tangerang area. The rumor claimed that a Pocong decoy was terrorising residents in the Rajeg District of Tangerang, Banten.
The sensational tale of pocong terror circulated widely on social media. In the posts, it was alleged that the act was a modus operandi for home robberies.
The narratives stated that the figure resembling a pocong was not a supernatural event but a criminal tactic. The perpetrator was allegedly deliberately disguising himself to frighten residents into panicking and opening their doors. After the door was opened, the offender would allegedly carry out crimes such as theft or robbery.
Police Respond
The police moved to follow up on the circulating issue. Tangerang City Police Chief Kombes Andi Muhammad Indra Waspada Amirullah urged the public to remain calm and stay vigilant. He also asked residents not to easily believe or share information that has not been verified.
“Increase vigilance, stay calm and not panicked, and do not easily believe information that has not been validated. Do not spread rumours whose accuracy is unclear,” Indra said on Tuesday (19 May 2026).
According to him, the terror-like actions were suspected to be deliberate to create fear in the community. This situation was feared to be exploited by criminals to commit crimes when the local environment is not conducive.
“Let the public not feel afraid, which would be exploited to commit crimes such as theft or robbery,” he said.
Police Check Location
Tangerang City Police checked the location claimed to be the site of the Pocong terror in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency. Police checked around the location, but results were nil.
“As of now, nothing has been found. We are still conducting further investigations because there have been no official reports submitted to the police regarding the incident,” said Public Relations Head of Polresta Tangerang, Ipda Sandro Tree Bahara, on Wednesday (20 May).
According to Sandro, information about the pocong terror was only a social media post so far and its veracity cannot yet be confirmed. Police are also examining motives behind the spread of the information.
“That’s why we are still examining,” he said.
Police are also tracing the account that first posted information about the alleged pocong terror.
“Yes, we will trace it. Further developments will be communicated again,” he said.