Babeh Aldo Named Suspect and Detained, Lawyers Suspect 'Order' Behind Case

Jakarta, VIVA – The naming of Ali Ridho, better known as Babeh Aldo, as a suspect and his subsequent detention have been met with regret, as much of his content and work is considered to have brought positive change to the people of South Kalimantan (Kalsel). Suspicions have emerged of outside interference or a hidden motive behind his designation as a suspect and detention.

“Is there an order from above, or what? Because Babeh, whom we are assisting, was given no opportunity to rest, no chance to raise any objections. Babeh himself even questioned why he was being named a suspect, but the answer was perfunctory, and no facts were shown to demonstrate that Babeh Aldo had been declared a suspect based on two sufficient pieces of evidence,” said Gunawan, one of Babeh Aldo’s legal advisers, at a press conference on Friday, 24 July 2026.

Gunawan asserted that during questioning, Babeh Aldo’s status was that of a member of the press. The legal team even wanted to summon the editor-in-chief of the outlet where Babeh Aldo works, but investigators refused, saying it would be adjusted to their own schedule.

Another legal adviser, Wahid Hasyim, stressed that the examination process against Babeh Aldo should have been balanced. He said the lack of any opportunity for the legal team to present witnesses was inconsistent with the principles of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

“That is what disappoints us. Our KUHAP paradigm should provide space for Babeh Aldo to protect his rights. We suspect there may be a motive behind all of this,” he said.

“Do not play around with our law enforcement process. The public will be watching these actions which, in our view, are very strange,” he added.

Disappointment was also expressed by Ustaz Soweh, a community figure belonging to the Alliance for the Struggle to Support Babeh Aldo. He regarded Babeh Aldo as someone who brought positive change to people’s lives through his work.

“As we know, he has dissected many cases. Most recently, what the public has felt most keenly is the fuel shortage issue, the fuel mafia, and protection by rogue elements for the fuel mafias. Thank God, the number of rogue petrol stations has now decreased considerably,” Soweh said.

“We declare our full support for him following this very abrupt naming as a suspect. I will personally accompany his legal process. Insya Allah, we will mobilise support for Babeh Aldo’s freedom,” Soweh added.