The 'Teh Pucuk' Phenomenon
A peculiar online trend has captured the attention of many users on platforms like TikTok and X in Indonesia, with a growing number searching for something
called the 'Video Viral Teh Pucuk Durasi 17 Menit'. Although the name might suggest a promotional clip for a beverage, cybersecurity experts have identified this search term as a gateway to a sophisticated 'Ghost File' scam. The core objective of this scam is to exploit user curiosity, ultimately aiming to compromise devices and pilfer sensitive personal information. The visual elements circulating, often short clips around 1 minute and 50 seconds, typically feature a woman seated on a bed with a bottle of 'Teh Pucuk Harum', a widely recognized jasmine tea, prominently displayed. This specific branding serves as a visual identifier, much like previous viral incidents, to make the content easily shareable and recognizable, even though the individuals involved are not usually identified by name. The '17-minute' aspect is a deliberate fabrication, a so-called 'curiosity gap,' designed to create an illusion of a more extensive, uncensored version, thereby enticing more clicks and engagement from unsuspecting individuals.
Cybersecurity Threats Unveiled
Indonesian cyber authorities are issuing urgent warnings regarding links that claim to host the complete 'Full 17-Minute Video.' These links are identified as high-risk phishing traps. Upon clicking, users are often redirected to deceptive webpages designed to mimic legitimate social media login screens, with the sole purpose of capturing usernames and passwords. Furthermore, 'download' buttons found on these sites can initiate the installation of covert malware or spyware onto both Android and iOS devices, enabling silent tracking and data exfiltration. In a particularly concerning development, many of these deceptive links also force redirects to illegal online gambling websites, commonly known as 'Judol.' This particular type of malicious activity is a significant concern for Indonesian law enforcement agencies, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of this digital threat.
Institutional Clarification
Amidst the viral spread of rumors, the University of Mataram (Unram) issued a formal statement to address unfounded speculation. There were brief, unverified claims circulating online suggesting a connection between the video and students of the university. However, Unram officially clarified on February 15, 2026, that the video has no association with its student body. The institution implored the public to cease the propagation of these baseless rumors, emphasizing the detrimental impact such misinformation can have on their reputation and community. This proactive denial serves to debunk a specific falsehood associated with the trend, reinforcing that the primary danger lies in the cybercriminal intent behind the content, not in any institutional affiliation.
Navigating the Danger
The 'Teh Pucuk Viral Video' phenomenon is a textbook example of malware baiting, where a potentially real, albeit inappropriate, short clip is leveraged to promote a far more sinister agenda. The purported '17-minute' version is an outright fabrication, strategically created by cybercriminals to ensnare victims. To safeguard yourself, it is crucial to follow official advice: avoid searching for the specific 'Teh Pucuk 17 Menit' search term on any search engine. Furthermore, exercise extreme caution and refrain from clicking on any links shared via Telegram or Terabox, especially those originating from unknown accounts on X or TikTok. If you encounter any accounts disseminating suspicious links, utilize the platform’s reporting tools to flag them. Remember, this information is provided for educational purposes to combat cybercrime. We do not host or provide access to any such content, and all external links found on social media platforms concerning this trend are considered high-risk phishing traps. We disclaim any liability for data loss or device damage resulting from independent searches or interactions with these malicious links.
