The arrest of a student from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) with the initials SSS by the police due to the posting of an AI meme featuring President Prabowo Subianto and 7th President of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi) kissing, has sparked public and legislative scrutiny. Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Commission III, Nasir Djamil, emphasized that freedom of expression, especially in the digital space, must remain within ethical boundaries. According to Nasir, such posts are not just creative expressions but also involve respect for individuals who are or have been leaders of the country. He criticized the actions of the student, deeming them inappropriate for social media. “For example, if our parents were treated like that, what then?” Nasir told Tribunnews.com on Saturday (5/10/2025).
Nasir stressed that the digital space is not a limitless free zone. Although the constitution guarantees the right to express opinions, he believes that every citizen is responsible for the content they disseminate, including technology-based content such as images generated by artificial intelligence. “So, freedom must be responsible and in line with existing ethical values,” he said.
However, the legislator from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) suggested taking a more educational approach to the student. He urged that the legal process not immediately lead to criminalization. “Just remind her, no need to jump to criminalization,” Nasir emphasized.
Previously, the Indonesian National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) confirmed the arrest of the ITB student with the initials SSS in relation to the meme post. Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Police Division, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, stated that the woman had been named a suspect. “Confirming that a woman with the initials SSS has been arrested and processed,” Trunoyudo said on Thursday night (5/8/2025).
On Friday (5/9/2025), Trunoyudo added that the investigation process was still ongoing. SSS was charged under Article 45 paragraph (1) jo Article 27 paragraph (1) and/or Article 51 paragraph (1) jo Article 35 of Law Number 1 of 2024 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE).
The AI meme post juxtaposing two important national figures in an inappropriate scene has now become a sharp focus, strengthening the discourse on the boundaries between digital freedom and public ethics in the age of advanced technology.
