Jakarta police have summoned prominent Indonesian doctor and social media influencer Dr. Richard Lee for questioning today, January 7, 2026, in a case involving alleged violations of health and consumer protection laws. The examination follows dueling complaints filed by Lee and fellow influencer Dr. Samira Farahnaz-also known as Dokter Detektif-and underscores increasing legal scrutiny of medical advice and practices shared online. Both doctors are currently considered suspects in related cases, with police prioritizing mediation efforts in the defamation claim brought by Lee against Farahnaz.
Jakarta police have summoned Dr. Richard Lee for questioning as a suspect in a case involving alleged violations of health and consumer protection laws. The investigation stems from a dispute with another doctor and social media influencer, and highlights growing scrutiny of medical practices promoted online.
Lee confirmed his attendance for questioning on Wednesday, according to police. “He’s coming this afternoon,” said Police Commissioner Reonald Simanjuntak, head of public relations for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, to reporters. “His lawyer confirmed his presence with investigators.”
Police designated Lee a suspect on December 15, 2025, alleging he committed offenses related to healthcare and consumer rights. The doctor, who also has a significant following on social media, is now facing formal investigation.
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The investigation began after a complaint filed by a doctor known as Dokter Detektif (doktif) on December 2, 2024, under case number LP/B/7317/XII/2024/SPKT Polda Metro Jaya.
“The case is now under investigation, and we can confirm that a suspect was named on December 15, 2025, in the case of RL,” Simanjuntak said Tuesday, January 6.
Lee was initially summoned for questioning as a suspect on December 23, 2025, but requested a postponement.
“He informed investigators that he would be available on January 7, 2026. So, the second summons will be issued for the 7th,” Simanjuntak explained.
Background of the Investigation into Dr. Richard Lee
The case originated from a public dispute between Dr. Richard Lee and influencer Dr. Samira Farahnaz, also known as Dokter Detektif. Both filed complaints against each other, and now both are facing criminal investigation.
Doktif was named a suspect by Jakarta police on December 12, 2025, in a defamation case filed by Dr. Lee.
“The investigation into the case involving Dr. Samira has been elevated to the investigation stage, and she has been named a suspect on December 12, 2025,” said Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit for South Jakarta Police, Kompol Dwi Manggala Yuda, according to Antara news agency on December 25.
Dr. Lee’s report against Doktif was filed on March 6, 2025, under case number LP/B/779/III/2025/SPKT/Polres Metro Jaksel/Polda Metro Jaya.
A key point of contention in the case is an accusation regarding Lee’s medical practice license. Doktif allegedly spread information claiming Lee was operating illegally at one of his clinics.
Police have questioned 22 witnesses as part of the investigation to gather evidence.
Following the investigation into Doktif, police then named Dr. Richard Lee as a suspect in a case involving alleged violations of health and consumer protection laws.
Neither Suspect is Currently in Custody
Neither Doktif nor Richard Lee are currently being held in custody. Doktif was not detained because the maximum penalty for the alleged offense is a prison sentence of two years or less, requiring only mandatory reporting to police.
Police are prioritizing mediation between the two doctors in Doktif’s case. They have issued summonses for both Dr. Lee and Dr. Samira to participate in mediation at the South Jakarta Police.
“For now, we will summon both parties for mediation. We have postponed the summons until January 6, 2026,” Yuda said on December 25.
If neither party attends the mediation by that date, investigators will proceed with the legal process by formally summoning the suspect.
“If neither party attends after January 6, we will follow up by summoning the suspect,” he added.
Dr. Richard Lee is scheduled to be questioned as a suspect today. It remains unclear whether police will detain Lee following the questioning.
See also Video Police Name Richard Lee as Suspect in Report Filed by Doktif
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(kuf/lir)