By Joniansyah
Copyright tempo
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Police at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport say they have identified dozens of social media accounts spreading hoaxes and provocative narratives aimed at paralyzing the airport during the riots and demonstrations in Jakarta at the end of August.Airport Police Chief Commissioner Ronald Sipayung said their cyber patrol team found more than 10 anonymous accounts circulating false claims about the airport shutdown.“Some described the airport as crowded, closed, or experiencing a mass exodus, which did not match the facts,” Ronald said on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.Police say they are still working to trace other anonymous and fictitious accounts.Police also say they have identified several genuine accounts that spread misinformation, causing public anxiety.“Some of these accounts have been handled by the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police. A few later issued clarifications and apologized,” Ronald said.Provocation and Security MeasuresPolice say Soekarno-Hatta Airport had already been targeted for provocation before the riots, with calls circulating on social media to occupy or shut down Indonesia’s largest international airport.In response, the airport police prepared a security plan and deployed 100 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel under operational command to secure the area.“The strategy involved blocking strategic points to prevent possible anarchist acts,” Ronald said.Hundreds of personnel carried out layered security, which police say successfully prevented attempts to disrupt the airport.“With these measures, Soekarno-Hatta Airport remained safe and conducive,” Ronald said.Unlawful ProvocationsPolice say provocative actions on social media that incite crime or disrupt public order, especially those targeting airport operations, are unlawful. Ronald also praised netizens who pushed back against online provocations and advised others to stay cautious.“Many people on social media advised the public not to be easily provoked and not to believe misleading narratives,” Ronald said.
