In the busy town of Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, a hidden online community has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The “Cowok Manly Sidoarjo” Facebook group, which translates to “Manly Guys Sidoarjo,” was exposed by local police as a place for illegal and inappropriate activities. This group had thousands of members, mostly men interested in same-sex relationships, but it went beyond just chatting—it involved sharing harmful content and offering services that broke the law.
What Was the Group About?
At first glance, the name "Cowok Manly Sidoarjo" might sound like a simple social club for men in the area. But inside, it was a secret space where members posted explicit videos, photos, and messages. People in the group offered sexual services to other men, looked for partners, and shared pornographic material featuring same-sex acts. Police found thousands of such posts, which made the group a hub for activities that violated Indonesian laws on decency and online behavior.
The group grew quickly, attracting men from Sidoarjo and nearby areas. Members used it to connect privately, but their actions soon caught the attention of authorities. Reports say the admins and active users even created and spread their own videos, making the problem worse.
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The Police Investigation and Arrests
On August 11, 2025, the Sidoarjo Police Department (Polresta Sidoarjo) took action. They arrested three men who were key players in the group: one admin and two active members, identified only by their initials AY, RM, and SM. These individuals admitted to joining the group to find partners for intimate encounters and to share forbidden content.
The police chief, Kombes Pol Christian Tobing, explained that the arrests came after tips from the public and online monitoring. They seized phones and other evidence showing conversations and videos. The three men now face charges under Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) and the Pornography Law. If convicted, they could get up to six years in prison or a fine of up to 1 billion rupiah (about $65,000 USD).
This is not the first time such groups have been uncovered in Indonesia, where laws are strict about moral issues. The police are still investigating if more people were involved and plan to close similar groups to protect the community.
Why This Matters and Lessons Learned
This case highlights the dangers of hidden online groups. While social media can connect people, it can also be used for harmful purposes that affect society, especially young people. Parents and educators are urged to teach kids about safe internet use and watch out for risky behaviors.
In Indonesia, where cultural and religious values emphasize family and morality, such groups can cause worry and division. The police have called on everyone to avoid these activities and report suspicious online behavior. By staying alert, communities can help keep the digital world safer for all.
In the end, the “Cowok Manly Sidoarjo” story serves as a reminder: what happens online can have real-world consequences. Let’s focus on positive connections and respect for the law.
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