AI-Manipulated Videos of Regional Leaders Announcing Aid Spread as Scams

Fake videos impersonating regional leaders and announcing financial aid are circulating on Indonesian social media. These AI-edited clips manipulate past public event footage to falsely suggest that leaders are distributing government assistance. The common tactic involves prompting viewers to leave comments or send direct messages, likely with the aim of stealing personal information. A recent case involves a video claiming Papua Governor Mathius Derek Fakhiri announced government aid. The clip states, "Direct aid from the government for anyone who sees this video. If it comes across your feed, leave a message in the comments or Messenger." However, Liputan6.com's fact-check revealed the video was AI-edited from past footage and did not represent an actual aid announcement. Similarly, an image claiming West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi offered Rp 20 million to all Indonesians was found. It reads, "My aid KDM Send your phone number, we will contact you," and "There is a gift from me in the name of Kang Dedi Mulyadi worth Rp 20 million. If you want to receive it for free, there is no charge whatsoever. Do not spend any money. If you want to receive it, continue to my Messenger. I am sharing with all needy Indonesian people. Thank you." Furthermore, a video falsely claiming North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda offered a Rp 50 million prize has also surfaced. The audio states, "This is not a hoax or a lie, I swear to God I am not lying. For anyone who can capture the image below, I will immediately transfer Rp 50 million, I swear this is true. Those who say it's a hoax are because they haven't received a transfer from me." Liputan6.com has been operating its "Cek Fakta" (Fact Check) channel since 2018 to improve media literacy. The site is a member of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and collaborates with Facebook. For those who have information about hoaxes they want investigated and verified, please send them to [email protected]. For a faster response, contact the Liputan6 Fact Check WhatsApp Chatbot at 0811-9787-670.