Three teenagers arrested for creating fake pocong social media content in Sragen

Sragen Police Intelligence Unit apprehended three teenagers suspected of causing public disturbance by creating social media content using fake ‘pocong’ costumes. The actions were deemed to disrupt public order and cause community alarm.

Assistant Chief of Police for Public Relations of Central Java Provincial Police, Kombes Artanto, confirmed the arrests took place at a railway tunnel near Pasar Bunder in Sragen. The arrests followed routine patrols and online monitoring by police.

The three teenagers, all aged 17, were live-streaming their actions on social media platforms, moving locations to find suitable settings for their horror-themed content. Specific filming locations were not detailed in the report.

Artanto stated that no further criminal motives, such as theft or violence, were found. The actions were solely for social media content purposes.

Although no serious criminal elements were identified, police conducted counselling sessions with the teenagers to prevent recurrence, as part of efforts to educate the public on responsible digital usage.

Central Java Provincial Police have pledged to intensify cyber patrols and on-ground monitoring to prevent similar incidents that could disrupt public comfort in the region.

Why is fake pocong content prohibited?

Despite being intended as entertainment, such actions can cause panic, lead to accidents among startled road users, and disrupt public order in shared spaces.

What penalties do those creating disturbing content face?

In addition to police counselling, offenders may face sanctions under the Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE) Law or public order disturbance provisions if proven to have caused actual harm or criminal elements.