Bahar bin Smith, a suspect in the alleged assault of a Banser member in Cipondoh, Tangerang City, had his detention suspended by police. The decision comes as authorities investigate an alleged assault that occurred last September, and highlights the complexities of balancing legal proceedings with an individual’s health concerns.
Tangerang City Police Chief Kombes Raden Muhammad Jauhari explained the suspension was based on medical grounds, supported by medical records.
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Kapolres Metro Tangerang Kota Kombes Raden Muhammad Jauhari (Photo: Kurniawan/detikcom)
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He dismissed reports that the suspension was granted because Bahar is the family’s primary provider.
“Let me clarify this, it’s not solely because he’s the sole breadwinner, but because he is in a condition of illness. According to his legal counsel, he is ill, and You’ll see medical records confirming he was recently in an accident and will require major surgery,” Jauhari stated.
“Considering his physical condition, along with guarantees from his family (mother, wife) and legal team, investigators approved the request to not detain him,” he added.
Jauhari assured the public that the legal process will continue. Authorities are working to complete the case file to expedite its transfer to the courts.
“The investigation is still ongoing. We are completing the P-19 files for the other suspects, and we are also processing Bahar bin Smith’s file for submission to the prosecutor’s office. The process continues,” he explained.
In addition to Bahar, police have named three other individuals as suspects in the case. Police indicated that detention has been suspended for two of those individuals as well, but did not provide further details.
“As far as I understand, there has been a suspension. We will look into it further,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Police.
Bahar bin Smith was reported for alleged assault and gang violence against a Banser member during a Maulid Nabi celebration in Cipondoh in September 2025, in Tangerang City.
His designation as a suspect is documented in a letter regarding the development of the investigation results (SP2HP) from police report LP/B/1395/IX/2025/SPKT/Polres Metro Tangerang Kota dated September 22, 2025.
Bahar bin Smith and others are charged under Article 365 of the Criminal Code regarding theft with violence and/or Article 170 of the Criminal Code regarding group violence and/or Article 351 of the Criminal Code regarding assault in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code regarding participation in criminal acts.
Police detailed Bahar’s alleged role in the assault, stating he reportedly struck the victim.
“Based on witness and victim testimony, the suspect (Bahar) participated in the assault,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Police, on Tuesday, February 3rd.
However, Bahar bin Smith’s legal counsel refuted the allegations, claiming he was actually intervening to help someone else.
“Habib Bahar had no role in that. He was actually trying to help. Someone was trying to attack him, and he was secured by others and brought inside to avoid being assaulted. But things got out of control because there were so many people,” said Ichwan, his attorney.
Police questioned Bahar bin Smith as a suspect on Tuesday, February 10th, after he missed a previous summons. The investigation is still ongoing.
“The process is still underway as he only arrived yesterday afternoon. We are still reviewing the case, and the examination process is ongoing,” said Kombes Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for the Metro Jaya Police, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
“We are giving the investigators from the Tangerang City Police the space they need to continue the examination,” he continued.
Budi stated that of the four suspects, only Bahar bin Smith has been questioned so far.
“Only one, the suspect, has been questioned, but the other three suspects were previously named,” he said.
Victim Calls for Bahar bin Smith’s Detention
 Korban dugaan penganiayaan Habib Bahar bin Smith di kawasan Karawaci, Kota Tangerang, Banten, Kamis (12/2/2026). (Photo: Taufiq Syarifudin/detikcom) |
The Banser member who alleges he was assaulted by Bahar bin Smith, Rida, previously expressed disappointment that Smith had been named a suspect but not detained. He urged police to take him into custody.
“Personally, I am very disappointed that the reason given for the suspension is because he is a breadwinner and a teacher,” Rida told reporters in Karawaci, Tangerang City, Banten, on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
“I am also a breadwinner. I am still struggling financially as I continue to pursue this case. But the police’s reasoning is very disappointing,” he continued.
Rida affirmed that he is continuing to pursue legal action and requested that Bahar bin Smith be arrested.
“I hope Bahar is immediately arrested, apprehended, and imprisoned,” he stated.
Bahar bin Smith’s Apology
Bahar previously issued a public apology regarding the alleged assault of a Banser member named Rida. He also specifically apologized to GP Ansor, the organization to which the victim belongs, and expressed hope that relations between Muslims would be maintained.
“My brothers and sisters, as we all know, with the incident that occurred some time ago, I, along with Haji Arif, Haji Edi, and Pak Dwi, would like to apologize for the incident that befell our brother Pak Rida,” Bahar said in a video statement released to reporters on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
“We also extend our apologies to the entire GP Ansor family, especially our family in GP Ansor Tangerang Banten. This incident should be a lesson for all of us to jointly maintain Islamic brotherhood,” he added.
Watch video “Police Will Send Second Examination Summons to Bahar Smith”
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(eva/fca)
