Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. Barelang City Sub-regional Police in Riau Islands reaffirmed their commitment to act against hate speech, provocation, and content involving ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations, known in Indonesia as SARA, following the arrest of a suspect accused of posting offensive remarks against the Malay community.

“We urge the public to be wise in using social media. Any comment or post that provokes division or hatred will be dealt with under the law,” said Barelang Police Chief Senior SUperintendent. Anggoro Wicaksono on Tuesday (3/6/2026)

Investigators identified suspect RS as the account holder behind the Facebook post and arrested him at a boarding house in Batu Aji. 

“The comment was considered offensive to the Malay community in Batam,” explained Barelang Police Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Senior Inspector M. Debby Tri Andrestian.

The suspect faces charges under Article 242 of the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum sentence of three years. 

(mg/ndt/pr/rs)