Police Confirm 'Pocong' Hoax in Bali's Jembrana

Police authorities, alongside the Air Kuning Village Government, confirmed that social media reports of a staged ‘pocong’ in Air Kuning Village, Jembrana Regency, Bali, were false and unfounded. The information had previously been shared via a Facebook account named Bacang Kentung to the ‘Info Jembrana’ social media group on Sunday (24 May) at around 9 PM WITA, with a narrative claiming a ‘staged pocong’ in the Air Kuning area. Police Chief of Jembrana Town, Ipda I Ngurah Made Agus Dwi Widiatmika Putra, stated that the police had verified and monitored the circulating information, confirming it to be false. ‘We urge the public not to be easily provoked by unverified issues. Be prudent when using social media and avoid spreading information that could cause unrest in the community,’ said Ipda Widiatmika on Monday (25 May). Additionally, the police have followed up on the post, with the ‘Info Jembrana’ social media account on Instagram issuing a clarification that the information was false and unsubstantiated. As an immediate measure, the Air Kuning Village Bhabinkamtibmas coordinated directly with the Perbekel to confirm the situation on the ground and prevent public anxiety. Air Kuning Village Perbekel Samsudin stated that neither the village administration nor its staff had received any reports or complaints from the public regarding the incident circulating on social media. ‘Together with village officials, we have urged residents to remain calm, avoid believing unverified information, and ensure sources are official such as the village government, police, or credible media,’ he said. He also confirmed that the security situation in Air Kuning Village remains safe, stable, and that community activities are proceeding normally. Meanwhile, Jembrana Police Regional Public Relations Chief IPDA I Putu Budi Arnaya encouraged the public to always verify information before believing or sharing it on social media. ‘In this digital age, the public must be more intelligent and selective in receiving information. Do not easily believe issues with unclear sources and validity, as hoaxes can incite unrest and disrupt public security,’ he said. He also urged the public to promptly report suspicious information or potential security threats in their surroundings via the 24-hour free Call Center 110 service. ‘The police are present to provide swift service to the public. If encountering suspicious incidents or needing police assistance, the public can immediately contact the 110 service,’ he added.