LGBT Parade Flyer at Losari Beach Goes Viral, Police Probe Hacked Account Claim

The Makassar City Police are hunting those behind the creation and circulation of a digital flyer announcing a planned LGBT community parade at the Losari Beach promenade in South Sulawesi. The information has been widely discussed on social media since last week, triggering public reaction in the city known as Daeng.

Makassar Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Arya Perdana, said his office had questioned the owner of the account that posted the flyer. In the initial examination, the account owner claimed the account had been hacked by an irresponsible party. "We have confirmed with the account owner. He said his account was hacked so the post appeared," Arya told reporters on Thursday (24/9).

Nevertheless, the hacking claim has not immediately closed the investigation. Arya stressed that the cyber team is still working to identify who created and spread the information, while verifying whether the planned event actually exists or is merely a hoax. "We are still investigating who created or uploaded the information. The cyber team is also investigating to determine whether the information about the event is true or not," he explained.

To date, no notification letter or permit request has reached either the Makassar City Police or the South Sulawesi Regional Police. Arya stressed that if an event were indeed to be held, his office would follow up according to procedure. "We have not received a notification letter or permit request for the event. We also have not received information or seen any event like the one mentioned in the pamphlet," he said.

In the context of Indonesian law and the governance of public activities, any event involving crowds must notify the local police. The police then issue a recommendation taking into account security, order, and the socio-cultural conditions of the area. Arya stressed that the principle still applies, including to controversial events. "In principle, any public activity can be submitted to the police. However, the recommendation still takes into account the security situation, social conditions, and local wisdom in Makassar," he said.

"The event must not end up causing unrest in the community. If the situation does not allow it and it has the potential to cause negative things, we certainly will not recommend it." — Senior Commissioner Arya Perdana, Makassar Police Chief

This case highlights two interrelated issues: the spread of disinformation in the digital space and the sensitivity of identity issues in an area with strong socio-religious character. The circulating flyer has not only sparked online debate but could also trigger real-world tension if not handled transparently. The police are in a difficult position: on one hand they must protect freedom of expression, on the other they must maintain security stability and respect local values.

Cyber security observers say the account hacking claim needs to be tested with technical evidence, such as activity logs and digital traces. According to them, the pattern of spreading provocative content often uses accounts that are later claimed to have been hacked to divert legal responsibility. Therefore, digital forensic verification is crucial so the investigation does not stop at a one-sided admission.

On the other hand, the public in Makassar and Indonesia in general is reminded not to immediately believe and share unverified content. Spreading false information can lead to criminal charges under the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, especially if it triggers hostility or social unrest. Authorities are also urged to promptly announce the investigation results to prevent prolonged speculation.

Going forward, this case will be a test for digital law enforcement in Indonesia: whether the police can uncover the mastermind behind the flyer, or whether the investigation will fizzle out without clarity. More importantly, how the state balances civil liberties, public security, and respect for the local values alive in society.