DistantNews
Support us
Malang Preacher Suspected of Harassing Models for 'Ghost's Oath' Content
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Malang Preacher Suspected of Harassing Models for 'Ghost's Oath' Content

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A preacher and content creator in Malang, Indonesia, identified as Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawy, also known as Gus Idris, has been named a suspect in a sexual violence case.
  • The investigation began after several female talents accused him of harassment during the filming of a "sumpah pocong" (ghost's oath) content.
  • Idris claims the accusations stem from internal conflicts within his agency, specifically the dismissal of a staff member.

Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawy, a preacher and content creator in Malang known as Gus Idris, has been officially named a suspect in a sexual violence case. The designation follows an investigation initiated by allegations from several female talents who claim they were sexually harassed during the filming of content themed around a "sumpah pocong," or ghost's oath.

The Malang Police Department elevated Idris's status after gathering sufficient evidence and interviewing witnesses. This development marks a significant escalation since the accusations first surfaced publicly several months ago. According to AKP Yulistiana Sri Iriana, Head of the Women's and Children's Crime Investigation Unit at Malang Police, six witnesses have been questioned as part of the investigation.

Idris was scheduled for his initial interrogation but failed to appear, citing declining health. His legal team informed the police, who are now coordinating to reschedule his questioning. The preacher's absence has added another layer to the ongoing case.

It's just an internal problem in the management. But that person, our staff, has been deactivated, has been fired. So my preliminary assumption is that (they are) hurt. But we don't know for sure.

โ€” Muhammad Idris Al-Marbawy (Gus Idris)Suggesting the accusations stem from internal agency conflicts and a dismissed staff member's potential resentment.

Amidst the accusations, Idris has suggested that the controversy is linked to internal disputes within his agency, particularly the termination of an employee. He speculated that the former staff member's potential resentment over being dismissed could be a motivating factor behind the allegations. "It's just an internal problem in the management. But that person, our staff, has been deactivated, has been fired," Idris stated previously, adding, "So my preliminary assumption is that (they are) hurt. But we don't know for sure."

The case initially gained traction when a female talent, identified by the initial SN, shared her negative experience on social media. She reported feeling uneasy upon arriving at the filming location in Pakis, Malang Regency, noting the presence of only men. Her warning to other female talents about accepting job offers, especially those involving the "sumpah pocong" theme in specific areas, went viral, prompting other alleged victims to come forward and report to the police.

Be careful, muses, especially muses in Malang. Be careful with shooting offers or needing talent in the pesantren area or the Pakis area with the theme 'sumpah pocong'.

โ€” Talent SNWarning other female talents about potentially risky job offers after her own negative experience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.