Social Media Post on Edited Photos Containing Malaysia’s King Sparks Outrage

Previously, a YouTube video insulting Indonesia’s national anthem, President Joko Widodo, and the national emblem of Garuda went viral. The video was originally published by an account named ‘MY Asean’, which used a Malaysian flag as its profile picture.

The video then caused tensions between both countries as the people posted their comments on social media and even some of the Indonesian politicians also expressed their views on the matter.

Also read: Indonesia to Intensify Cyber Police Activity Next Year, Says Senior Minister

The case was then investigated by the Malaysian government after the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur lodged a report. The investigation revealed that two Indonesians, one of whom is still a minor, were allegedly behind the parody of the Indonesian anthem.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Malaysia Hermono said that the case of the parody of the Indonesian anthem was a lesson for all parties to not quickly conclude something that was not clear.

“Cyber issue could be a hoax. So far, it is known that the alleged creators were not Malaysians, but Indonesian citizens,” Hermono said as reported by Kompas TV on Friday, January 1.

“If the news has not been confirmed, don’t give an excessive response too quickly,” he said.

The envoy further added that the alleged suspect was an Indonesian citizen living in Sabah, Malaysia.

The media reported that the other alleged suspect was arrested in Cianjur, West Java province on Thursday, December 31 for further investigation.

(Writer: Aditya Jaya Iswara, Haryanti Puspa Sari | Editor: Aditya Jaya Iswara, Bayu Galih)

Sources: https://www.kompas.com/global/read/2021/01/02/113725770/malaysia-geger-wajah-raja-dijadikan-meme-oleh-akun-bukan_bangjago?page=all#page3.

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/01/02/20020061/parodi-indonesia-raya-dubes-ri-harap-jadi-pelajaran-agar-tak-cepat-ambil