Chitra Paramaesti, Jakarta – Police Public Relations Division's Public Information Bureau Head Brig. Gen. Muhammad Iqbal said the Muslim Cyber Army family or the Family MCA is almost similar to Saracen group arrested in 2017, a group which started hoaxes and spread news interpreted as hate speech.
"Family MCA is different (to Saracen), yet has some similar traits," Iqbal said at Police Headquarters on Tuesday, February 27. Police will hold a press conference tomorrow for further information.Iqbal explained the group spread provocative issues through social media. Police seized electronic devices and checked their financial transactions. "We also investigate groups they followed in social media," he added.
The groups followed by the Family MCA including Akademi Tempur MCA, Pojok MCA, The United MCA, The Legend MCA, Muslim Coming, MCA News Legend, Special Force MCA, Srikandi Muslim Cyber, dan Muslim Sniper. Iqbal claimed the police will explore other actors in this group.
Muslim Cyber Army Family Group, Iqbal continued, often spread the news that cornered the president and other figures. The issue of scholars assault incident was also spread through the group. "We will catch those behind the group," said Iqbal.
Other than spreading provocative issues, the Family MCA also distributed the virus for electronic devices through links contained hoax news. "Our mobile phone can be damaged if we get the virus (by clicking the news link)," he stated.
The suspects of the Family MCA were Muhammad Luth, 40, Rizki Surya Dharma (35), Ramdani Saputra (39), and Yuspiadin (24). They were charged with the Law of Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE).