Regarding the 'I Must Die' Billboard Causing Unease Among Jakarta Residents
Social media has been abuzz regarding promotional billboards for a film inscribed with ‘I Must Die’, which have been deemed to make the public uncomfortable. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has responded to residents’ concerns by taking down the advertising panels scattered at several points.
In a viral post viewed by detikcom on Sunday (5/4/2026), the advertising panel read ‘I Must Die’ against a background of a blue creature with red eyes. The content has drawn complaints from residents.
Head of Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) of DKI Jakarta, Satriadi Gunawan, stated that his side has coordinated with the advertising bureau displaying the advertisement. As a result, the film billboards have been removed.
“It’s done, yes. So we have coordinated with the advertising bureau to remove them immediately. Correct, correct (the ones removing the billboards are from the bureau’s side),” said Satriadi when contacted on Sunday (5/4/2026).
So far, three advertising panels that have been removed are located on Jalan Puri Kembangan in West Jakarta, Jalan Daan Mogot Km 11 (Gantung Bridge) in West Jakarta, and the Harmony Intersection Police Post in Central Jakarta. It was stated that one billboard was removed on Saturday (4/4), and two more on Sunday (5/4).
“There was one yesterday (removed), and some today. Yesterday one, today two,” he said.
Satriadi explained that so far only three related billboards have been removed in Jakarta. If there is information about billboards containing the film’s advertisement in other locations, similar action will be taken.
“Currently, there are only three that we have removed. If there is more information, we will carry out the removal,” he said.
Must Consider Psychological Impact
Special Staff to the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Yustinus Prastowo, emphasised that this step is a form of the government’s presence in safeguarding residents’ comfort in public spaces. His side will continue to monitor and follow up on complaints from residents.
“In total, there are three locations that we have rectified, namely two banner locations and one videotron location. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will continue to monitor the situation in the field and ensure that every public report is followed up quickly and appropriately. We are also continuing to coordinate to monitor developments in handling other points,” he said.
Yustinus added that public spaces must be safe, comfortable, and inclusive places for all groups, including children. Therefore, every communication material in public spaces needs to consider aspects of propriety and psychological impact on the wider community.
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will take firm action if similar advertisements are still found. This rectification step is expected to alleviate residents’ unease while maintaining order and the quality of public spaces in Jakarta.