Profile of Nabilah O'Brien: Lessons from the Bibi Kelinci and Zendhy Kusuma Case
Nabilah O’Brien’s name became the subject of heated discussion in early 2026. Not merely because her appearance frequently adorns social media timelines as an Instagram personality, but because of her resilience in facing the legal storm that battered her culinary business, Bibi Kelinci Kopitiam. This young entrepreneur has demonstrated that integrity and courageous advocacy are the key elements in sustaining existence in the business world.
Born on 19 June 1995, Nabilah Afifah O’Brien represents a visionary young generation. A graduate of Philosophy from the University of Indonesia (2013-2017), she has successfully combined critical thinking with sharp business acumen. Before becoming known through her culinary ventures, Nabilah had already established herself in the beauty industry as Founder and CEO of PT Cheona Nabilah O’Brien, which oversees the cosmetics brand Cheona Akin.
Nabilah’s career journey did not come instantly. She began as a content creator focused on lifestyle, literacy, and motivation. Her deep interest in writing even produced a book titled “The Woman With The Deepest Love”.
Her boldness in venturing into the culinary world materialised through Bibi Kelinci Kopitiam, located in Kemang, South Jakarta. Adopting a contemporary Chinese-Oriental concept with vintage touches, this restaurant became one of Jakarta residents’ favourite destinations due to its 24-hour operation. Its signature menu items, ranging from Oriental congee to Sup Sapi Lai Make, reflect Nabilah’s dedication to serving authentic flavour quality.
Every successful entrepreneur must face a major trial. For Nabilah, this trial came in the form of a legal dispute with guitarist Zendhy Kusuma and his wife, Evi Santi, which stemmed from an incident at her restaurant in September 2025. The case went viral because Nabilah, who initially reported business losses, was unexpectedly designated as a suspect on charges of defamation under the ITE Law.
However, rather than succumbing to pressure, Nabilah chose to speak out in pursuit of justice. The case attracted wide attention, including from Commission III of the House of Representatives, which viewed it as an important precedent for protecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The climax of this situation occurred on 8 March 2026. Through mediation facilitated at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Nabilah O’Brien and Zendhy Kusuma’s party agreed to pursue a peaceful settlement or restorative justice approach. This step was appreciated by many as a mature and dignified solution. Nabilah stated that she had personally forgiven the other party and felt relieved that her legal status had been restored.
Nabilah O’Brien’s story provides valuable lessons for young entrepreneurs in Indonesia: the importance of standing firm on principles, understanding legal mechanisms that protect entrepreneurs, and the courage to pursue justice through proper channels. It also underscores the necessity for law enforcement to comprehend the spirit of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to prevent criminalisation of UMKM operators who advocate for their rights in the public interest. Pursuant to Article 36 of the Criminal Code and provisions within the ITE Law, disseminating information in the public interest cannot be subject to prosecution. The resolution through restorative justice also demonstrates that legal disputes can be resolved with dignity and mutual understanding, particularly when motivated by the spirit of forgiveness and self-reflection that characterised this case.