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| Police Bust WhatsApp Group Sharing Gay Porn Content in Surabaya, 4 Suspects Arrested. |
Surabaya – The East Java Police (Polda Jatim) have once again proven their firm stance against cybercrime. This time, the Cybercrime Directorate successfully uncovered a WhatsApp group called “INFO VID,” used to share pornographic content and facilitate same-sex partner searches.
Investigation Unfolds After Viral Facebook Post
The case came to light after a Facebook post went viral, highlighting suspicious activity in gay groups operating in Tuban, Lamongan, and Bojonegoro. The post revealed that members were openly looking for same-sex partners through digital platforms.
Following up on this online lead, Polda Jatim’s cybercrime unit launched an investigation and traced it to the WhatsApp group “INFO VID.” Four suspects were arrested for their roles as administrators and active members involved in spreading explicit content.
Who Were the Suspects?
Authorities identified the four arrested individuals as:
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MI (21 years old) – Resident of Gubeng, Surabaya. He was the first to distribute the WhatsApp group link.
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NZ (24 years old) – From Tambaksari, Surabaya. Joined the group in February 2025.
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FS (44 years old) – From Dukuh Pakis, Surabaya. Became active in March 2025.
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S (66 years old) – Resident of Jombang. Joined in May 2025.
According to East Java Police spokesperson Kombes Pol Jules Abraham Abast, these individuals were directly involved in sharing pornographic materials and encouraging others to seek same-sex partners.
How It Started: From Facebook Group to WhatsApp
MI allegedly discovered a Facebook group called “Gay Tuban-Lamongan-Bojonegoro,” which was being used to discuss and find same-sex partners. He commented on posts and then dropped a link to a WhatsApp group titled “INFO VID,” which later became a hub for inappropriate content.
“Other suspects joined later and began actively sharing porn videos and images,” said Abast during a press conference held at the East Java Police headquarters on Friday (June 13).
Illegal Activity Peaked in Early June 2025
Sub-Directorate II of the Cybercrime unit found that the peak of these illegal activities occurred on June 2, 2025, when multiple members shared explicit videos and photos in the group.
Kompol Nandu Dyanata confirmed that three of the suspects admitted to sharing content with the intention of finding same-sex partners. Kompol Noviar Anindhita added that the WhatsApp group had around 300 members, while the connected Facebook group had approximately 11,400 members.
Evidence and Legal Consequences
Authorities also seized several pieces of evidence, including:
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Four smartphones
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Dozens of Facebook and WhatsApp accounts
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Screenshots of pornographic content stored on the suspects’ devices
The suspects have been charged under multiple Indonesian laws, including:
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Article 27 (1) in conjunction with Article 45 (1) of the ITE Law No. 11 of 2008, amended by Law No. 1 of 2024
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Article 4 (1) in conjunction with Article 29 of the Pornography Law No. 44 of 2008
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Article 76E in conjunction with Article 82 of Law No. 17 of 2016 on Child Protection
Penalties include up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine of IDR 1 billion (approx. $62,000 USD). In more serious offenses, punishment can increase to 12 years and a fine of up to IDR 6 billion ($370,000 USD).
This case shows the seriousness of law enforcement in cracking down on cybercrime, especially offenses involving pornography, which violate Indonesia’s moral and legal standards.
Polda Jatim’s efforts highlight the importance of maintaining digital ethics and responsibility. Let this case serve as a warning that actions in the digital space still fall under the law.
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