Merangin, June 6, 2026 – The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has brought significant benefits to digital life, making various tasks easier and more efficient. However, experts have also warned that the technology can be misused for activities that may harm others, including the manipulation of digital images that could affect a person’s reputation and dignity.
AI is designed to simulate human intelligence by learning from data, recognizing patterns, making decisions, and generating various forms of digital content. The technology is widely used in the creation of text, images, videos, and other creative works.
In Merangin Regency, a female journalist from Global Investigasi News, identified as Sepni, has claimed to be the victim of alleged digital harassment and cyberbullying involving a photograph that she believes was manipulated using AI technology by an individual identified only by the initials AL, who is described as one of the managers of an online media outlet in the region.
According to Sepni, her photograph was allegedly edited and circulated through social media with content she considers inappropriate and damaging to her reputation as both a woman and a journalist.
“I feel greatly harmed by this incident. My photo was used as material for what I consider an inappropriate joke, one that has affected my family’s dignity and tarnished my honor as a woman. I warned the individual involved, but the response I received was mocking,” Sepni told this news outlet.
Sepni said she had reported the matter to the editorial leadership of Global Investigasi News. She believes that the alleged actions not only affected her personally but could also damage the reputation of the media organization where she works.
According to information obtained by the editorial team, the case is currently being reviewed and may be reported to the Merangin Police for further legal consideration.
Meanwhile, a journalist in Merangin who requested anonymity said he was aware of the dispute and had previously advised AL against engaging in conduct that could create tensions within the journalism community.
“I once reminded him not to do such things because we are fellow journalists. However, he viewed it merely as a joke. In my opinion, the matter has crossed into a personal issue and should be treated seriously,” the journalist said.
Cyberbullying and online harassment are forms of misconduct that can undermine an individual’s sense of security, dignity, and reputation in digital spaces. In Indonesia, the protection of individual rights in the digital sphere is regulated under several laws, including Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights, Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection, and other regulations governing the use of electronic media.
As of the publication of this report, AL has not provided an official response to the allegations. The editorial team is continuing efforts to contact the individual concerned in order to obtain confirmation and clarification, in accordance with the principles of balanced reporting and the Journalistic Code of Ethics.
Global Investigasi News stated that it will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide all parties involved with the opportunity to exercise their right of reply, as stipulated under Indonesia’s Press Law.
(Fik / Global Investigasi News Jambi)
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