Tuesday, 16 June 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ What began as an ordinary morning in Dusun Cinta Makmur Village, Sikampak District, Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency, Nort Sumatra, Indonesia, has turned into a period of anxiety for a small family, after a rumor spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The issue did not stem from a confirmed incident, but rather from the resurfacing of a man's name—one that has now placed his children under unexpected social pressure.Read Also:
Rumors Spread Faster Than Facts
Reports circulating online have linked a man identified as Robet to alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The claim quickly gained traction across multiple social media groups, triggering widespread reactions.However, when several individuals visited his residence to verify the information, Robet was not there.
Read Also:"We checked the information from social media. When we came to his house, he wasn't there. His wife said he has been working in Pekanbaru for the past two weeks," said one of the individuals who conducted the verification.
In reality, Robet had been in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, earning a living for his family—unaware that his name had once again gone viral online.
Read Also:Children Face Questions They Cannot Answer
In Robet's absence, his wife, Ida (40), faces mounting emotional pressure—not only from the circulating rumors but also from the questions of their children.
"I feel overwhelmed. My husband isn't home, but his name is going viral again. Every day, I have to answer my children's questions," she said quietly.Their children, who are still in elementary and middle school, have increasingly been exposed to the rumors through classmates and social media.
"One day, my child showed me a phone and asked, 'Mom, is this Dad? Dad is viral again,'" Ida recalled.What may seem like a simple question for a child has become a painful reality for her.
"My heart is broken. They are still so young. They don't understand what's happening, but they feel ashamed at school," she added.Since then, the atmosphere at home has shifted. Once cheerful, the children have grown quieter and more withdrawn, carrying a burden they can barely comprehend.
Despite the emotional strain, Ida continues to strive for stability in her household.
"I tell them to keep studying and not listen to others. But honestly, as a mother, I'm also hurting. I'm only human," she said.Each morning, she encourages her children to attend school and maintain their motivation. Yet the emotional toll is evident, as uncertainty and silence now shape their daily lives.
Her message to the public is clear; "If you want to report something, please check the facts first. See whether my husband is actually at home or not. Don't let innocent families become victims.""Behind every name, there is a family. There are children who have done nothing wrong," she added.
When Virality Outpaces TruthThis case highlights how unverified information on social media can have real-life consequences—not only for the individual involved but also for their family.
Rahmat Aruan, head of the anti-drug organization Granat in Labuhanbatu Selatan, personally verified the information."When I heard about it, I immediately checked. It's true—he hasn't been home for two weeks. Don't spread anything without facts," he stressed.
Rahmat expressed particular concern for the children."I feel sorry for them. They are still in school. Situations like this can damage their confidence," he said.
He also urged the public to be more responsible when sharing information."Sources must be clear—whether from authorities, community leaders, or the police. No one should misuse my name as if I made statements," he emphasized.
Rahmat called on the public to verify information directly before drawing conclusions."If there is suspicion, check it firsthand. That is far fairer than spreading assumptions," he said.
The family's story serves as a reminder that the true impact of viral content often remains unseen—affecting those who are least prepared to bear its consequences, especially children. (IDNC)REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala
