Bandung Metropolitan Police Examine Church Official Suspected of Defamation

The Criminal Investigation Unit of Bandung Metropolitan Police continues to investigate allegations of defamation and slander involving a church official with initials BS. Investigators have conducted questioning and examination of BS in his capacity as a suspect.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Bandung Metropolitan Police, First Deputy Commissioner Dewa Putu, confirmed that the examination of the suspect has been carried out to complete the case file. “The examination has been conducted,” he stated when contacted on Monday, 16 March.

This examination follows the establishment of suspect status for BS, which was referred to the Bandung City State Prosecutor’s Office in a notification letter dated 4 March 2026. BS, who serves as a member of the parish council, was reported by a fellow congregant with initials JB.

The case emerged following allegations of the distribution of defamatory statements via WhatsApp instant messaging application on 20 July 2025. The location of the alleged offence was reported to be in the Van Deventer Street area, Sumur Bandung, Bandung City.

Investigators have charged BS under multiple provisions related to the distribution of electronic information and general criminal law, including Article 27A of Law No. 1 of 2024 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE), and Articles 433 and 434 of Law No. 1 of 2023 concerning the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP).

The police report has been registered since 6 October 2025 with the case number LP/B/1467/X/2025/SPKT/POLRESTABES BANDUNG.