Indonesian Police Warn Grok AI Photo Manipulation Could Face Criminal Charges

Indonesian authorities are investigating cases of AI-generated deepfakes, with particular focus on the Grok AI service available on X, the National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) announced Wednesday.

“We are currently investigating in that direction. This has become a focus of our Cyber Crime Directorate,” said Brigadier General Himawan Bayu Aji, Director of Cyber Crime at Bareskrim, on January 7, 2026.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create misleading or fraudulent images. Authorities are examining whether certain manipulations carried out through Grok could result in criminal charges under Indonesia’s electronic information and transactions laws, which prohibit the distribution of false or misleading information.

The rise of accessible AI image manipulation tools has created significant challenges for law enforcement globally. Indonesia’s cybercrime unit has been increasingly vigilant about digital crimes as AI technology becomes more sophisticated and widely available to the public.

In cultural news, the beloved Japanese anime series Doraemon has disappeared from RCTI’s programming schedule after a remarkable 35-year run on Indonesian television. The show, which follows the adventures of a robotic cat from the future and his human friend Nobita, has been a Sunday morning staple for generations of Indonesian viewers since 1991.

The sudden removal has triggered an outpouring of nostalgia and concern on social media platforms. Fans have flooded RCTI’s official accounts with questions and demands for the show’s return. Despite the public reaction, RCTI has yet to release an official statement explaining the decision to end the broadcast.

Doraemon holds cultural significance in Indonesia beyond typical entertainment, having influenced multiple generations with its themes of friendship, perseverance, and technological imagination. The show’s disappearance marks the end of an era for many Indonesian viewers who grew up with the series as a formative part of their childhood.

Meanwhile, on the international stage, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened additional military action against Venezuela following the controversial abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by American forces. Maduro, who was reportedly taken from Caracas in a covert military operation, was scheduled to make his first appearance before a federal judge in New York on January 5.

“If she doesn’t do what’s right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro,” Trump stated on Sunday, according to TRT World. The ambiguous reference to “she” likely pertains to Venezuela’s interim leadership.

The president indicated that a second strike could be ordered if Venezuela fails to meet U.S. demands regarding its oil industry and efforts to combat drug trafficking. This aggressive stance has escalated tensions between the two nations and raised concerns about sovereignty and international law among global observers.

The abduction of a sitting foreign leader represents an extraordinary escalation in U.S. foreign policy and has drawn criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations. Venezuela’s oil reserves—the largest in the world—add significant geopolitical and economic dimensions to the conflict.

The situation continues to develop as diplomatic channels remain strained and Venezuela’s political future hangs in the balance. Regional leaders across Latin America are closely monitoring events, with several calling for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.

These developments reflect the complex landscape of technological, cultural, and geopolitical challenges facing both Indonesia and the international community in early 2026.