Makassar. Police in Makassar, South Sulawesi, have named a university lecturer a criminal suspect after a video circulated showing him spitting on a female cashier, authorities said on Tuesday.

The suspect, Amal Said, was also dismissed by Universitas Islam Makassar, where he had taught for about 20 years, following the incident.

Tamalanrea Police Chief Commissioner Muhammad Yusuf said Amal was charged under Indonesia’s criminal code for insult or degrading conduct, an offense carrying a maximum penalty of six months in jail or a fine.

“The suspect designation was made after investigators confirmed that all elements of the alleged crime were fulfilled through a series of investigative steps,” Yusuf told reporters in Makassar.

He stressed that the decision was based solely on evidence and in accordance with criminal procedure, without interference from any external parties. Investigators are currently finalizing case files before submitting them to prosecutors.

However, Yusuf said the case could still be resolved through a restorative justice mechanism. Police plan to summon both the victim and the suspect to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement.

“The outcome of that meeting will determine whether the case is resolved through restorative justice or proceeds to prosecution,” he said.

The incident occurred on Dec. 24 at a Satu Sama supermarket on Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan in Tamalanrea district. According to police, Amal became angry after being reprimanded for allegedly cutting in line while waiting to pay at the cashier.

In an interview four days later, Amal admitted he lost control of his emotions but denied cutting the line.

“I was reprimanded in a way that made me feel humiliated. My emotions were triggered and I lost control,” he said. “After realizing what I had done, I regretted it and apologized for the incident.”

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