TNI Accused Of Masterminding Riots, TNI Headquarters Dismantling 5 Viral Hoaxes

The issue of the alleged involvement of TNI members in demonstrations that led to anarchism sparked public debate. A number of reports circulated on social media accusing soldiers of participating in the riots, but the TNI Headquarters emphasized that the information was not true.

Head of the Information Center of the TNI Headquarters, Brigadier General (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, conveyed his clarification at a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Friday.

"Therefore, on this occasion, let me try to straighten out some things that we consider hoaxes," Freddy said, as quoted by ANTARA.

He detailed five information called hoaxes. First, the accusation by Major SS from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) participated in the demonstration in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, on August 28. According to Freddy, Major SS is only carrying out his duties to seek information, not as an action participant.

The second fake news is a viral video of Pratu Handika Novaldo's arrest in South Sumatra on August 31, which was accused of participating in a demonstration. Freddy emphasized that the soldier was only trying to buy food and gasoline when he was near the demonstrator area.

Furthermore, a man named Fajri Buhang in North Sumatra, on September 1, claimed to be a member of the TNI when he was arrested by the police. However, after being examined, he could not show the identity card of the member or the origin of the unit.

"Thus, it is certain that the man is not a member of the TNI but a civilian who works in the transportation sector," he explained.

The fourth hoax case emerged from Ternate. A student named Pascal Mamangkey was arrested and is said to be a member of the TNI who provoked the action. In fact, continued Freddy, Pascal was only a 16-year-old teenager who claimed to be a soldier.

Finally, claims emerged that a demonstrator was ordered by the TNI members to attack the Cikeas Mobile Brigade Headquarters. After being traced, the man turned out to only make false confessions to avoid being questioned by officers.

Freddy regrets that these issues can spread quickly and influence public opinion.

"We deeply regret that the news went viral on social media and succeeded in forming a public opinion that the TNI was the mastermind behind the riots," he said.

With this press conference, TNI Headquarters hopes that people will no longer be trapped in misleading information and be more careful filtering the news circulating on social media.