Police confirm tiger attack video in Garut is hoax

The Garut Resort Police have confirmed that there was no incident involving a tiger or wild animal descending a mountain and attacking residents in the Garut Regency, West Java, as claimed in a viral narrative on social media. “The information about a tiger mauling three residents in the Mount Papandayan area is a hoax,” said Head of Public Relations for the Garut Police, Ipda Susilo Adhi, on Tuesday. He explained that the police had traced the circulating video and WhatsApp chain messages, which had caused public anxiety. The video, he clarified, does not depict an event in Garut but rather shows victims of an explosion in the Cipatat area of West Bandung Regency. The police have also confirmed with the management of the Mount Papandayan tourist area that no such animal attack occurred. Authorities are urging the public not to readily believe or disseminate information that cannot be verified. “We appeal to the public not to immediately share videos, photos, or texts whose sources and truth cannot be accounted for,” he said, adding that spreading unverified information only causes panic and unrest. The police also advised citizens to report any suspected hoaxes to the authorities for immediate clarification and investigation.