Ahmad Bahar's Legal Counsel Responds to GRIB Jaya's Counter-Complaint Plan

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Legal counsel for writer Ahmad Bahar, Gufroni, has responded to Gerakan Rakyat Indonesia Bersatu (GRIB) Jaya’s plan to file a counter-complaint against his client.

‘We will wait for the information, as we have already seen yesterday’s press conference that they will file a report. We do not know who the person is,’ Gufroni said at the LPSK office in Ciracas, East Jakarta, on Monday (25/5/2026).

On the other hand, Gufroni expressed surprise that he himself will be reported to the police. However, he urged all parties to await further developments.

He stressed that advocates cannot be criminally prosecuted when performing their professional duties as legal counsel, as they are protected by law.

‘We state that an advocate acting as a legal counsel for a client cannot be reported, as they are protected under the Advocates Law, both during and outside court proceedings,’ Gufroni said.

‘Including making statements, press releases, and comments, which cannot constitute criminal offences as advocates are protected by law,’ he added.

Previously, GRIB Jaya planned to file a counter-complaint against writer Ahmad Bahar for allegedly defaming their chairman, Hercules.

‘We will promptly file a police report in the near future,’ said Novianus Martin Bau, GRIB Jaya’s Legal and Advocacy Head, during a press conference at their headquarters on Sunday (24/5/2026) evening.

Martin insisted that all statements made by Gufroni, the legal counsel for Ahmad Bahar’s daughter F (33), were incorrect.

He also reminded Gufroni to verify the facts before proceeding with the case.

‘When handling a case, we must verify the facts to avoid constructing narratives that cause public unrest,’ he added.

Hercules also confirmed his readiness to pursue the matter legally, stating he never detained Ilma.

He took Ilma to GRIB Jaya’s West Jakarta headquarters to find out how the writer’s daughter obtained his wife’s WhatsApp number.