In a press conference held at TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Friday, Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General (Marine Corps) Freddy Ardianzah, dismissed the claims as baseless hoaxes.
“Allow me to clarify several matters that we consider to be hoaxes,” Ardianzah stated.
Ardianzah explained that the first hoax involved Major SS, an officer of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), who was accused of joining a protest in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (Aug 28). In fact, SS was carrying out his intelligence duties, gathering information about the protest.
The second hoax was a viral video showing TNI soldier Pratu (Private First Class) Handika Novaldo being detained by police for allegedly joining a demonstration in South Sumatra on Sunday (Aug 31).
Ardianzah denied Novaldo's involvement, stating that the soldier was apprehended while he was trying to get food and buy fuel at a gas station near the area where the demonstration was taking place.
Related news: Jakarta Protests: Indonesian Army steps in to maintain peace
The next hoax that was refuted involved a man claiming to be a TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) member named Fajri Buhang in North Sumatra on Monday (Sep 1). Police detained Buhang during a protest, but when questioned, he was unable to name his unit or present a military ID.
“Therefore, it has been confirmed that the man is not a TNI member but rather a civilian working in the transportation sector,” Ardianzah clarified.
The next hoax came from Ternate, North Maluku, where a protester named Pascal Mamangkey was arrested and accused of being a TNI member who incited anarchic actions during a protest on Monday (Sep 1).
Upon investigation, Mamangkey was found out to be just a 16-year-old student who claimed to be a TNI member.
The final hoax involved a protester who claimed he was instructed by the son of a TNI member to attack the (Mobile Brigade Corps) Brimob Headquarters in Cikeas. Investigation revealed the claim in an attempt to avoid police inspection.
Ardianzah expressed his disappointment that these stories went viral across social media and shaped public perception that the TNI was behind the unrest.
With the clarification from the TNI, it is hoped that the public can be better informed and no longer fall for these five hoax news stories.
Related news: TNI denies military aims to impose martial law amid Jakarta unrest
Translator: Walda Marison, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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