Police Urged to Drop Case Against Journalist Babe Aldo, Citing Criminalisation

The Indonesian Solidarity Action for Transparency and Independence (PASTI Indonesia) has urged the police to stop the alleged criminalisation of journalist and social media activist Ali Ridhok, known as Babe Aldo. The investigation currently being conducted by the Cyber Crime Sub-Directorate of the South Kalimantan Regional Police is being pushed to be halted and the case taken over by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Indonesian National Police. PASTI Indonesia Director Arlex Wu stated that the case against Babe Aldo has created a narrative of criminalisation against journalists, which has the potential to harm the dignity of press freedom and democracy. He noted that in his capacity as a journalist, Babe Aldo had carried out his duties in accordance with the journalistic code of ethics, using methods of tabayun and clear clarification. “In the clarification summons for both reports, Babe Aldo was cooperative, presenting clear and straightforward evidence, including a recording of an admission that corroborated the investigation. The fact that a peace agreement was reached was also ignored, while the status of the case was forced from preliminary investigation to full investigation without witness examination,” Lex Wu explained. He emphasised that the escalation of the case to the investigation stage contradicts Law No. 40 of 1999 on the Press, Article 8, which guarantees legal protection for journalists. Furthermore, he stated it disregards the Constitutional Court Decision No. 145/PUU-XXIII/2025, which affirms that press disputes are not criminal matters. Lex Wu added that PASTI Indonesia and Babe Aldo have submitted an official letter to several parties, including Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, requesting a hearing. He expressed confidence that the hearing regarding the criminalisation of Babe Aldo will be held soon and chaired directly by the Chairman of Commission III, Habiburokhman. “Therefore, we request that the summons be postponed at least until the hearing is completed, so that the results of the official forum of the House of Representatives can serve as a reference in determining the direction of this case,” Lex Wu concluded.