3 Facts: Dr Richard Lee Detained Over Absence From Investigation but Live on TikTok

Dr Richard Lee was detained after undergoing questioning as a suspect in a case of suspected violations of consumer protection laws related to beauty products and services. The detention occurred at 21:50 local time at the Metro Jaya Regional Police Detention Centre, according to a statement by Kombes Budi Hermanto, the Metro Jaya Regional Police Public Relations Chief, on Friday, 6 March 2026. He said Richard Lee was questioned for four hours from 13:00 to 17:00, with 29 questions asked. Several procedures were carried out before detention was imposed.

“Prior to detention, the suspect underwent a health check by Biddokes Polda Metro Jaya, including checking blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, all with normal results, and he was able to carry out activities as usual,” he said.

“The reason for detention is that the suspect’s actions are considered to have hampered the investigation, among other things: the suspect did not attend the additional examination on 3 March 2026 without providing a clear explanation. On that day, the suspect was observed live on a TikTok account,” Kombes Budi Hermanto said.

“Another reason is that the suspect repeatedly failed to report as required on Monday, 23 February 2026 and Thursday, 5 March 2026 without a clear reason. On this basis, the suspect DRL was detained at 21:50 at the Metro Jaya Regional Police Detention Centre,” he added.

Richard Lee is known to have previously challenged the Metro Jaya Regional Police’s designation as a suspect in the consumer protection case reported by a doctor. The presiding judge of South Jakarta District Court, Esthar Oktavi, stated that Richard Lee’s pretrial application could not be granted.

“Reject the applicant’s pretrial request. The costs of the matter are borne by the state, which amounts to nil,” said the presiding judge Esthar Oktavi in the ruling at South Jakarta District Court.