BATAM | INDATANEWS.COM - Businessman Andi Morena has taken legal action after describing a series of allegations circulated on social media as defamatory and damaging to his reputation. Accompanied by his legal team, Andi Morena on Sunday, August 2, 2026, filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Riau Islands Regional Police over alleged defamation, the dissemination of false information (hoaxes), and reputational harm.
Represented by attorneys Fadlan and Citra Irwan Simbolon, Andi Morena personally submitted the complaint at the Integrated Police Service Center (SPKT) of the Riau Islands Regional Police Headquarters. The report was officially received, and police issued an acknowledgment receipt under registration number STTLP/B/85/VIII/2026/SPKT/Polda Kepulauan Riau, dated August 2, 2026.
The legal action comes in response to the growing circulation of social media posts linking Andi Morena to an alleged narcotics syndicate. According to his legal representatives, the accusations are entirely baseless, lack legal foundation, and have caused significant damage to their client's reputation and personal integrity.
The complaint alleges violations of Article 27A in conjunction with Article 45 paragraph (4) of Law No. 1 of 2024, the Second Amendment to Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law), and/or Article 433 in conjunction with Article 441 paragraph (1) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on Indonesia's Criminal Code.
Complaint Submitted to Cyber Crime Unit
Fadlan, legal counsel for Andi Morena, explained that the alleged offense falls under a complaint-based criminal offense, meaning only the injured party has the legal standing to file the report.
"Because this is a complaint-based offense that can only be reported by the victim, we accompanied Mr. Andi to the SPKT today and coordinated directly with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Riau Islands Police. Investigators asked approximately 12 questions, all of which were answered directly by Mr. Andi," Fadlan said on Sunday evening, August 2, 2026, after giving his statement at the Cyber Crime Unit of the Ditreskrimsus of the Riau Islands Regional Police.
According to Fadlan, the complaint targets several social media accounts allegedly responsible for spreading false information, defamatory statements, and content deemed damaging to Andi Morena's reputation through electronic media.
As part of the filing process, the legal team submitted various pieces of evidence to investigators, including screenshots, links to social media posts, a USB flash drive, and supporting documents believed to be relevant to the alleged offenses.
"We have also handed over several pieces of evidence to investigators, including screenshots, social media links, a USB flash drive, and other supporting documents," he said.
Legal Team Rejects Drug-Related Allegations
Fadlan emphasized that the police report reflects his client's firm determination to reject all allegations attempting to associate Andi Morena with narcotics-related crimes.
He stated that the widespread circulation of the allegations has created misleading public perceptions and caused serious reputational damage. Consequently, the legal team has entrusted the investigation entirely to the Cyber Crime Unit of the Riau Islands Regional Police.
"Our client's decision to report this matter to the Riau Islands Police demonstrates his firm commitment to rejecting every allegation linking him to narcotics crimes. These narratives mislead the public and fuel uncontrolled speculation that harms his reputation. We trust the Cyber Crime Unit of the Riau Islands Police to thoroughly investigate this case," Fadlan said.
He further argued that certain parties had deliberately and systematically built negative public narratives through social media. In his view, the repeated allegations against his client, including claims of involvement with an international drug syndicate, amount to serious defamation.
"Our client continues to face negative accusations and has even been linked to an international drug trafficking network. We consider these allegations to constitute serious defamation. We see a systematic pattern of negative framing carried out by irresponsible actors through social media," he added.
Fadlan also said that such narratives intensified following the National Narcotics Agency's (BNN) disclosure of a drug trafficking case. However, according to the defense, there is absolutely no connection between the case and Andi Morena, despite attempts by certain parties to create the impression that he was involved.
"The narrative suggests that our client participated in or supported this serious transnational crime. That is nothing more than character assassination and an attack on his personal honor," he said.
Public Urged to Verify Information Before Sharing
In addition to pursuing legal action, the legal team urged the public to refrain from sharing or forwarding unverified information concerning Andi Morena.
Fadlan stressed that his client would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who continues to spread false information, amplify misleading public narratives, or damage his client's reputation through social media.
"We wish to make it clear today that anyone who continues to create, distribute, or circulate false and defamatory information about our client should be prepared to face legal consequences," Fadlan emphasized.
He concluded by encouraging the public to use social media responsibly and to verify the accuracy of information before sharing it in order to avoid defamation and potential legal consequences.
"We urge everyone to use social media responsibly and wisely. Stop spreading unfounded speculation and be accountable for every post you publish. Social media is a public space—not a platform for defamation or attacks on another person's dignity and character. Content creation or the pursuit of online engagement should never justify provocation that could ultimately result in legal consequences," he concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Dalil Harahap | EDITOR: Fik Sagala