Jakarta police have confirmed they are reviewing a complaint filed against two Indonesian social media figures, Ade Armando and Permadi Arya, better known as Abu Janda, over allegations of spreading edited video clips of a speech by former Vice President Jusuf Kalla. The complaint, registered with the Metro Jaya Police Department (Polda Metro Jaya) on April 20, 2026, accuses the pair of incitement and provocation under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law) and the Criminal Code (KUHP).
The report was submitted by the Maluku Professionals Lawyers Alliance (Aliansi Profesi Advokat Maluku – APAM), with representative Paman Nurlette stating the allegations stem from shortened versions of Jusuf Kalla’s speeches uploaded to YouTube and Facebook. According to Nurlette, the edited clips—taken from addresses delivered during Jusuf Kalla’s tenth and twelfth terms as vice president—have caused public unrest by presenting fragmented statements that could be misinterpreted as offensive or divisive.
Police spokesperson Kombes Budi Hermanto confirmed receipt of the report, stating, “Benar ada laporan tersebut. Saat ini laporan tersebut masih dikaji,” translating to “Yes, the report exists. Currently, the report is still under review.” He added that investigators are examining three pieces of evidence: two printed documents, screenshots of online conversations, and a flash drive containing the disputed video material.
The legal basis cited in the complaint references Article 48 of Law No. 1 of 2024 on the Second Amendment to Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law), in conjunction with Article 32 of the same law and/or Article 243 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP). These provisions pertain to the dissemination of false information capable of inciting public disorder and hatred, respectively.
Nurlette emphasized that APAM’s complaint does not claim to represent Jusuf Kalla personally, clarifying that the action is based on concerns about societal harm rather than political allegiance. He argued that if the full, unedited speeches were circulated instead of selective excerpts, the public would not have been provoked or misled.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Indonesia regarding the ethical use of public figures’ speeches in digital media, particularly when content is altered or taken out of context. Legal experts note that although freedom of expression is protected under the Indonesian Constitution, the ITE Law imposes restrictions on spreading information deemed to provoke violence, panic, or ethnic/religious conflict—especially when shared widely via social platforms.
As of April 23, 2026, no formal charges have been filed against Ade Armando or Abu Janda. Polda Metro Jaya continues to assess whether the uploaded content meets the legal threshold for prosecution under Articles 48, 32 of the ITE Law and/or Article 243 of the KUHP. Authorities have not indicated a timeline for completing their review, but updates are expected through official police channels.
For the latest official statements regarding the investigation, the public is encouraged to monitor the Metro Jaya Police Department’s verified website and social media accounts. Journalists and citizens seeking updates on legal proceedings can also refer to press releases from the Indonesian National Police’s public relations division.
This developing case underscores the growing scrutiny over digital content moderation in Southeast Asia, where edited political footage can rapidly influence public discourse. As Indonesia approaches key political milestones, the balance between free expression and responsible information sharing remains a focal point for regulators, civil society, and online platforms alike.
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