Habiburokhman States Nabilah O'Brien Does Not Meet Defamation Criteria

The Chair of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Habiburokhman, has stated that Nabilah O’Brien, owner of Bibi Kelinci restaurant, does not meet the legal elements of unlawfulness and intentionality required for a defamation charge against Zhendy Kusuma.

Habiburokhman made this statement during a public hearing with Nabilah O’Brien, who is a suspect in the defamation case filed by customer Zhendy Kusuma.

“Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives assesses that Ms Nabilah O’Brien does not factually meet the element of unlawfulness and the element of intent to defame or damage the reputation of another person,” Habiburokhman said on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Habiburokhman emphasised that the Commission supports the withdrawal of suspect status for Nabilah O’Brien and the closure of the defamation case.

“Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives supports the withdrawal of suspect status against Ms Nabilah O’Brien and the closure of this case through a restorative justice mechanism that does not impose a heavy burden,” he stated.

Furthermore, Habiburokhman called on law enforcement to investigate criminal offences, particularly hate speech and defamation cases, in accordance with Article 36 of the new Criminal Code.

“Which stipulates that no one can be held criminally responsible without the fulfilment of incontrovertible elements of intent,” Habiburokhman clarified.