inp.polri.go.id - Central Java. The Central Java Regional Police responded to the circulation of hoax information regarding the "pocong begal" (ghost) terror that went viral on social media and caused public unrest in several areas on Wednesday (May 27, 2026).
Police confirmed the news was false after conducting cyber patrols and on-site checks.
The Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Artanto, stated that his team discovered the same photos and videos being reposted on various social media accounts with different location descriptions.
"The results of the cyber patrols indicate the reuse of the same videos and photos and their re-dissemination with different location descriptions, thus triggering public unrest," said Artanto in Semarang.
He explained that posts depicting the "pocong begal" had circulated in several areas, including Grobogan, Kendal, Magelang, and Cilacap Regencies.
However, after directly going to these areas, it was confirmed that there were no reports of those rumors as in social media.
"The situation in the mentioned area remains safe and no incidents have occurred as reported on social media," he said.
Although the information is confirmed to be a hoax, the Central Java Regional Police still have instructed all ranks to intensify their night patrols in vulnerable areas, including residential areas, deserted roads, and poorly lit areas, to provide a sense of security to the public.
"We are continuing to take precautionary measures by increasing routine patrols to ensure the public feels calm and protected," explained Artanto.
Furthermore, the public is urged not to easily believe unverified information and not to take the law into their own hands if they encounter any suspicious activity.
"Immediately call 110 if you encounter any potential disturbances to public order and security. We are also investigating the accounts spreading the hoax and will take firm action if any intentional action is found," he stressed.
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