The Origins of the Richard Lee Case: How a Doctor Ended Up in Custody for Failing to Comply with the Law

Dr Richard Lee has finally been detained by Jakarta Metro Police investigators in a case involving alleged consumer protection violations related to beauty products and services. The detention followed multiple instances of Richard Lee failing to attend investigation interviews and breaching mandatory reporting requirements.

The case originated from a detective report filed on 2 December 2024 with reference number LP/B/7317/XII/2024/SPKT by Jakarta Metro Police. During the investigation, Richard Lee was designated as a suspect on 15 December 2024.

In January 2026, Richard Lee filed a pre-trial objection regarding his designation as a suspect by Jakarta Metro Police with the South Jakarta District Court (PN Jaksel). Jakarta Metro Police stated they respected this legal course of action. Kompol Andaru Rahutomo, Deputy Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police, said they were prepared to face the pre-trial objection.

“We received information that on 22 January, Richard Lee’s legal representatives filed a pre-trial objection, registered with the South Jakarta District Court against the designation of Richard Lee as a suspect,” Andaru stated.

However, the single judge at South Jakarta District Court, Esthar Oktavi, rejected the pre-trial objection filed by Richard Lee.

“The court rejects the petitioner’s pre-trial objection. The costs of this case are charged to the state in the amount of zero,” said judge Esthar Oktavi in the ruling at South Jakarta District Court.

In her consideration, the judge found that all procedures followed by police in handling the case complied with applicable legal provisions. As a result, the designation of Richard Lee as a suspect was deemed valid.

Travel Ban Imposed

In February 2026, investigators prevented Richard Lee from travelling abroad. Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police, stated that the travel ban could be extended for up to six months.

“We also inform you that the prevention and travel ban, commonly known as cekal, has been issued from 10 February 2026 to 1 March 2026 for the next 20 days,” Budi said at Jakarta Metro Police headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday (11 February 2026).

Budi said investigators respected the judge’s decision to reject Richard Lee’s pre-trial objection. The investigators then rescheduled a summons for Richard Lee as a suspect.

“The investigators will send another summons next week to schedule a call for the suspect Richard Lee to continue the investigation process at the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Jakarta Metro Police,” he said.

Richard Lee Detained

Jakarta Metro Police finally detained Dr Richard Lee after he underwent questioning in late February 2026.

“The suspect Richard Lee was detained at 21:50 on Friday (6 March 2026) at the Jakarta Metro Police detention facility,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police.

On the same day, Richard Lee was questioned for approximately four hours, from 13:00 to 17:00. During this questioning, investigators posed 29 questions.

Before his detention, Richard Lee underwent a health examination.

“Before the detention, the suspect underwent a health check by the Police Medical Division, including checks of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, all of which were normal, and the suspect is able to perform regular activities,” he said.

Previously, Richard Lee had undergone his first questioning as a suspect on Wednesday (7 January). He was questioned again on Thursday (19 February) from 10:40 to 19:00.

Missing Examinations but Live on TikTok

Police cited one reason for Richard Lee’s detention as his conduct in obstructing the investigation.

“Based on the suspect Richard Lee’s actions which were deemed to obstruct the investigation, including: the suspect failed to appear for an additional examination on 3 March 2026 without providing clear justification. In fact, on that day, the suspect was found to be broadcasting live on his TikTok account,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police, to journalists on Friday (6 March 2026).

Missing Mandatory Reporting Obligations

Another reason cited was that Richard Lee failed to fulfil the mandatory reporting requirement set by investigators.

“The suspect also failed to comply with mandatory reporting on Monday, 23 February 2026 and Thursday, 5 March 2026 without clear justification. On the basis of these matters, the suspect Richard Lee was detained at 21:50 at the Jakarta Metro Police detention facility,” he said.

Richard Lee’s Explanation for TikTok Broadcasting

Police also revealed Richard Lee’s reason for continuing to broadcast live on TikTok whilst his scheduled examination was taking place.

“Based on the statement provided by Richard Lee, the individual conducted live TikTok broadcasting on his own account for the purpose of promoting products from CV Athena as part of his work,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations at Jakarta Metro Police, to journalists on Saturday (7 March 2026).

Not Reflecting a Law-Abiding Citizen

Police assessed that Richard Lee’s conduct in repeatedly failing to attend examinations did not reflect that of a law-abiding citizen.

“In essence, the individual does not reflect being a citizen who is obedient and respectful of the law,” said Budi Hermanto.

Whilst the investigation summons process as a suspect was underway, Richard Lee did not attend and instead conducted live broadcasting on TikTok to promote his products.