Polda Metro Jaya Arrests Woman for Spreading Hoax About Independence Day Protests

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Cyber Crime Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya has arrested a woman with the initials DM, a resident of Ciamis Regency, West Java, for allegedly posting false information or hoaxes related to calls for demonstrations ahead of Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August 2026.

Polda Metro Jaya’s Director of Cyber Crime, Senior Commissioner Bagoes Wibisono, stated that the case came to light during a routine cyber patrol. The content was subsequently analysed and found to be unverified, prompting further investigation.

“During the cyber patrol, officers discovered content whose veracity needed to be confirmed. After deeper analysis, the information was found to have no factual basis and had the potential to cause public unrest,” Bagoes said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The investigation led officers to DM’s location in Ciamis Regency, West Java. Following coordination with the Ciamis Police, the suspect was secured at her residence. “In the initial examination, DM admitted to being the owner of the account,” Bagoes added.

For her actions, DM is charged under Article 48 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 32 paragraph (1) and Article 51 paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 35 of Law Number 11 of 2008 on Electronic Information and Transactions, as last amended by Law Number 1 of 2024, as well as Article 264 of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, Polda Metro Jaya’s Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, confirmed the handling of the case. He stated that the suspect and evidence have been brought to the Polda Metro Jaya Cyber Crime Directorate for further legal proceedings.

“We urge the public to be more prudent in using social media. Ensure that any information is verified before disseminating it and do not be easily provoked by content whose truth is unclear. If you encounter suspected hoaxes, report them immediately to the police for follow-up,” Budi added.