Police Confirm Abah Setu Case Investigation to Proceed Despite Apology

The Bekasi Metro Police have ensured that the legal process related to the Abah Setu case is still ongoing, as there has been no official withdrawal of the report by the complainant.

Despite Abah Setu having previously issued a formal apology, the Bekasi Metro Police Chief, Kombes Pol. Andi Oddang, emphasised that the police will continue to process the submitted report and will adjust subsequent legal handling steps in accordance with applicable procedures.

“The report exists and has been filed. We will adjust our future steps accordingly,” Andi stated in a briefing on Friday, 11 September 2026.

Andi explained that both the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Bekasi Regency and the local community have accepted Abah Setu’s apology. “So far, the Bekasi MUI has stated they have forgiven him, and the community, particularly in Bekasi Regency, has also forgiven him,” he said.

Nevertheless, he noted that this does not immediately halt the ongoing legal process, especially since the complainant has not yet submitted a formal request to withdraw the report. “As for the report, there has been no withdrawal yet,” he clarified.

It was previously reported that on Thursday, 10 September 2026, the Bekasi Metro Police facilitated a clarification and mediation session regarding statements made by the leader of the Nurul Hikam Dhikr Council, KH Ir. Asep Setiawan, also known as Abah Setu. The statements in question, which involved alleged insults towards the Prophet Muhammad, went viral on social media and prompted residents to gather at his assembly in Bekasi Regency.

The Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, stated that this step was taken as part of the police’s rapid effort to maintain public security and order (kamtibmas).

“This meeting was held as a police measure to facilitate a space for dialogue and clarification between parties, ensuring that the situation remains conducive within the legal jurisdiction of Bekasi Regency,” Budi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

He explained that the mediation forum, held at the Bekasi Metro Police Headquarters, involved various stakeholders, including the Bekasi Regency MUI, religious leaders, community figures, and representatives from various mass organisations. During the forum, Asep Setiawan directly issued an apology for his statements that had triggered public grievance.