Yogyakarta Govt: Video of Sultan Selling Ancient Coins Is Deepfake

Yogyakarta Govt: Yogyakarta Authorities Confirm Deepfake Video Features Sultan in Coin Sale Scam Tempatdonasi.com – A digital video circulating across

Yogyakarta Authorities Confirm Deepfake Video Features Sultan in Coin Sale Scam

Tempatdonasi.com – A digital video circulating across social media platforms has been identified as artificial intelligence-generated content, according to officials from the Yogyakarta provincial government. The footage purportedly captures Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, who serves as both the regional governor and the ruler of the Yogyakarta Palace, discussing the commercial transaction of historical coins.

Authorities have stated with confidence that the recording is not authentic and was produced through modern AI technology capable of manipulating facial movements and voice patterns to create convincing impersonations.

Video Content and Official Response

The disputed recording shows the Sultan appearing to answer questions regarding the availability of ancient currency pieces. In the clip, he can be seen directing potential buyers to complete their financial transfers prior to receiving the items they wish to purchase. Despite the realistic appearance of the footage, government representatives emphasized that the Sultan has never issued any formal declaration concerning this matter.

Ditya Nanaryo Aji, who holds the position of public relations specialist within the Yogyakarta Regional Communication and Information Agency, issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise caution when encountering similar content online. He cautioned against the rapid dissemination of videos that employ artificial intelligence to create false representations of prominent individuals.

People should not easily believe or spread videos that are the result of AI engineering and misuse the name of the Yogyakarta Governor.

This statement was delivered on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as officials worked to clarify the situation for the public.

Investigation Findings

A comprehensive internal examination was conducted jointly by representatives of the Yogyakarta Palace and the provincial administration to determine the true origin of the video. Their findings confirmed that the recording does not belong to any official archive maintained by either organization.

According to Ditya, the manner in which the content was presented, combined with its subject matter, strongly indicates AI-based manipulation. He noted that the video includes references to personal affairs and names specific individuals, elements that do not align with the Sultan’s typical public communications.

While accompanying Sultan HB X’s activities, we have never heard him make statements involving personal matters as shown in the video.

Scam Concerns and Future Actions

Government officials believe the deepfake may have been intentionally crafted to enable fraudulent activities. The technology used allows for the replication of both visual and auditory characteristics, making it easier for scammers to deceive victims.

The video’s narrative encourages viewers to send money for goods before those items are delivered, a common tactic employed in internet-based fraud schemes. Ditya explained that this payment-before-delivery structure is particularly vulnerable to exploitation through AI-generated content.

At present, the Yogyakarta provincial government has not announced plans for legal proceedings regarding the deepfake. Instead, their primary focus remains on educating the public and enhancing digital literacy skills. By helping citizens recognize the signs of AI manipulation, authorities hope to reduce the effectiveness of technology-driven scams in the future.

The incident highlights the growing challenge posed by advances in artificial intelligence, which continue to blur the line between authentic and fabricated media. As these tools become more sophisticated, the need for public awareness and verification mechanisms becomes increasingly critical in maintaining trust in digital communications.