LP2TRI General Chairman Becomes Suspect for Defaming Kupang Regent via Social Media
The General Chairman of the Lembaga Pemantau Penyelenggara Trias Politika Republik Indonesia (LP2TRI), Hendrikus Djawa, has been designated as a suspect. He is accused of defaming Kupang Regent Josef Lede via social media.
“Yes, investigators from the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigations at the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police have named a man with the initials HD as a suspect in the alleged defamation case through social media,” stated the Director of Special Criminal Investigations (Dirreskrimsus) of the NTT Police, Senior Commissioner Hans Rachmatulloh Irawan, to detikBali on Monday (20/4/2026).
Hans explained that the suspect status was determined after a series of investigation and inquiry processes. This was then formalised in a notification of developments in the investigation results (SP2HP) to Hendrikus.
“The suspect status was officially set on 13 April 2026, so we are publicising it today,” Hans said.
The case originated from posts on Hendrikus Djawa’s personal social media that are suspected of defaming Josef Lede. According to Hans, based on the investigation results, the NTT Police found evidence of alleged criminal defamation through electronic media.
This is what has ensnared Hendrikus, making him a suspect. He is charged under Article 45 Paragraph (4) in conjunction with Article 27A of Law Number 1 of 2024 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE).
“In addition, we are also applying several articles, including Article 247, Article 263 Paragraph (2), and Article 441 Paragraph (1) in conjunction with Article 433 Paragraph (2) of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code,” Hans clarified.
The Head of Public Relations Division (Kabid Humas) of the NTT Police, Senior Commissioner Henry Novika Chandra, urged the public to be more prudent in using social media. Henry also asked NTT residents to be cautious in expressing opinions in the digital space.
“Freedom of expression must still adhere to legal norms and not harm others,” Henry stated.
Henry emphasised that law enforcement against violations in the digital space will continue to be carried out professionally and transparently.
“We are committed to cracking down firmly on every legal violation, including cybercrime, to maintain order and security in the digital space,” Henry explained.
For information, Hendrikus is currently undergoing detention at the Kupang Police Resort in another case of alleged incitement via social media that led to damage to state property. That case relates to alleged provocation through his social media in November 2025, and the legal process is still ongoing.