M’sian Influencers Who Faked 22yo’s Disappearance in Indonesia Could Face Up to 10 Years in Jail, RM272k Fine

Malaysian YouTuber and influencer, Ammar Nazhan led a team of other influencers to Indonesia to capture paranormal content, when one of them was suddenly reported “missing”. 

22-year-old Eyka was said to have gone missing for 3 days before she was “found” in the forest. After the incident, Indonesian police confirmed that the “missing influencer” was a hoax.

On top of that, the Indonesian police stated that they have strict laws against those who spread fake news.

What sort of punishment could Ammar and his team be facing?

According to Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (Article 14), users have to disseminate accurate, clear, and authentic information to others. A law that Ammar and his team violated.

Accordingly, those found guilty of broadcasting and spreading fake news can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of 1 billion rupiah (approximately RM272,000).

The influencers also did not obtain permission from the local authorities to shoot the video.

In a report by the Indonesian media, the local police said during the interrogation, Ammar claimed he did not foresee that the Malaysian and Indonesian community would discuss the paranormal content.

Ammar also said that he and his team were not aware of existing laws in Indonesia against those who spread fake news. 

According to the police, Ammar and his team had apologised for the matter and through a written statement, promised that they would not repeat the act.

“They fake the disappearance of the influencer to boost views and engagement,” the Indonesian police said.

As of February 7, Ammar has not responded to the matter but in his latest Instagram Story posts, Ammar asked followers about what kind of content they wish to see next before releasing the full video of the “paranormal content.”

Also read: Taiwanese Pair Sentenced to 2 Years in Jail For Faking Their Kidnapping in Cambodia