Nabilah O’Brien’s Lawyer: Suspect Designation Is Highly Irregular

The owner of Bibi Kelinci Kopitiam Kemang in South Jakarta, Nabilah O’Brien, regards her designation as a suspect by the Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police in a case of alleged violations of the Electronic Information and Transactions Law (UU ITE) and defamation as an odd decision. Nabilah’s legal representative, Goldie Natasya Swarovski, stated that her client did not commit the offences as reported.

‘We would like to emphasise that no criminal offence actually occurred by our client, hence the designation as a suspect is highly irregular,’ Goldie said at a press conference at Bibi Kelinci Kemang, Jakarta, on Friday (6 March).

According to Goldie, Nabilah is actually a victim in the alleged theft case, but was subsequently named a suspect after being reported by Zendhy Kusuma to Bareskrim Polri on Saturday (28 February).

The dispute between the two parties began when Nabilah reported Zendhy in connection with alleged theft after he is said to have carried away 14 orders of food and beverages without paying. The incident subsequently went viral after Nabilah posted CCTV footage of the incident on social media.

Zendhy then challenged the CCTV posting. However, according to Goldie, the posting was made to show the facts of the incident and as a warning to other business operators.

‘Our client posted the CCTV footage not without reason. It is the truth that has been revealed, once again for the public interest, so that other business operators do not experience the same,’ she said.

Goldie said that both sides had undergone two mediation processes facilitated by Bareskrim Polri and Polsek Mampang Prapatan. However, the efforts did not yield a peaceful agreement.

‘Then, we have mediated twice, facilitated by Bareskrim, also by the police, and did not reach a settlement. Because, as far as we know, the last arrangement they offered was unrealistic,’ Goldie said.

The Indonesian Police stated that they would examine the dispute surrounding the designation of Nabilah O’Brien, owner of Bibi Kelinci Kopitiam Kemang, as a suspect.