Insulting Officials On Facebook, Youth In Palembang Arrested By Police

Director of the Ditreskrimsus Polda Sumsel, Kombes Pol Surapratomo Oktobrianto. (ANTARA)

The South Sumatra Police Ditreskrimsus Cyber Sub-Directorate Team arrested a young Palembang youth with the initials R (24), a resident of Swadaya Street, Lorok Pakjo, IB I Palembang District, for allegedly spreading hate speech as well as incitement through social media Facebook.

Director of the Ditreskrimsus Polda Sumsel Kombes Pol Surapratomo Oktobrianto said his party also secured a number of evidences in the form of a blue mobile phone, a SIM card, and a suspect's Facebook account.

He explained that using a Facebook account with the name 'Aldo Iretande wrote provocative sentences. The upload was made on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the Jalan Brigadier General HM Dhani Effendi area, Palembang.

In the post, the perpetrator Renaldo used harsh sentences and insulted the authorities and government, which were considered to have the potential to trigger public unrest. From the results of the investigation, the suspect's motive was hatred of the government and the police.

This action is a reminder so that people are wise in using social media. Do not let the digital space be used to spread hatred or provocations," he explained.

For his actions, Renaldo was charged with Article 28 Paragraph (2) of the Republic of Indonesia Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Amendments to the ITE Law with a maximum imprisonment of six years and/or a maximum fine of IDR 1 billion. In addition, he was also charged with Article 160 of the Criminal Code with a similar penalty, or a maximum fine of IDR 4,500.