PDIP Legislator Criticises Police for Making Victim a Suspect
A member of Commission III of the House of Representatives, Safaruddin, has questioned the police’s basis for designating Nabilah O’Brien as a suspect in a defamation case against a married couple, Zendhy Kusuma and Evi Santi.
According to Safaruddin, Nabilah, who uploaded closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to identify the perpetrator of a theft at her restaurant, Bibi Kelinci Kopitiam Kemang, is actually a victim who should be protected.
“Looking at this case, Nabilah clearly cannot be subject to criminal provisions. I don’t understand Bareskrim; why do police so arbitrarily charge someone who is a victim?” he stated during a general hearing session of Commission III at the House of Representatives Complex in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician said he had only reviewed Nabilah’s case that day. However, he remains convinced that Nabilah cannot be charged under defamation provisions, especially when referencing Article 36 of the new Criminal Code, which stipulates that no one can be held criminally liable without fulfilling the element of intentionality.
The retired senior police officer also warned all police units against repeating the same mistake. Safaruddin urged the Criminal Investigation Body of the National Police, regional police forces, and police precincts not to go looking for faults in others. “The National Police should be more just in their investigative procedures,” he said.
Safaruddin also supported the police’s decision to issue a letter halting the investigation to end the dispute between Nabilah and Zendhy. He encouraged the police to pay closer attention to and be guided by the Criminal Procedure Code, which prioritises the restoration of justice.
The Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police Headquarters, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated on 8 March 2026 that both parties officially withdrew their police complaints. In addition to withdrawing their complaints, Nabilah, Zendhy, and Evi also agreed to delete their social media posts related to the case.
Trunoyudo was reluctant to explain the legal status of all three individuals. Nabilah and Zendhy became suspects because they filed mutual complaints. Trunoyudo merely stated that the withdrawal of the complaints could provide a sense of justice for both parties.
Nabilah stated that she no longer holds the status of a suspect. “I forgive everyone; I am no longer a suspect,” she said at the Criminal Investigation Body headquarters on Sunday, 8 March 2026.